Morocco takes on Niger in their seventh 2026 World Cup qualifying match, with both teams competing in Group E.
Date & Time: Friday, September 5 – 20:00 Morocco time
How to Watch: Arriyadia TNT HD, Al Aoula TNT HD
The Atlas Lions lead the group with 15 points, five ahead of Tanzania. Zambia and Niger each have six points. With only two matches left in the qualifiers, Morocco are in a strong position to secure direct qualification.
The game will be the first competitive fixture at the renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Crown Prince Moulay Hassan officially inaugurated the stadium on Thursday. The venue has a capacity of 68,500 and modern facilities, reflecting Morocco’s focus on developing sports infrastructure.
Tickets for the match were sold out in advance.
Morocco have won all five of their qualifying matches so far and are looking to continue their perfect record. Niger will aim to earn a positive result to keep their hopes alive for a second-place finish.
The Moroccan squad has been training intensively ahead of the match. Defender Youssef Belammri said: “We know Niger well. The match will be tough, but we are fully focused. We want to win and make our fans proud.” Midfielder Chemsdine Talbi added: “Playing for Morocco is a huge honour. We have a strong squad and will fight for every ball.”
Newcomer Neil Al Aynaoui expressed pride at joining the senior national team. “The stadium is fantastic, and we’re ready for tomorrow,” he said.
Predicted Morocco lineup (4-3-3):
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Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
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Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Adam Massina, Nayef Aguerd, Souffian Karouani
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Midfielders: Neil Al Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal Al Khannouss
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Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ayoub Al Kaabi, Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Predicted Niger lineup (4-4-2):
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Goalkeeper: Issoufou Nikiema
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Defenders: Abdoulaye Souleymane, Ibrahim Khalil, Moussa Maazou, Zakaria Abdoul
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Midfielders: Hassane Bande, Mohamed Moussa, Issa Issoufou, Salifou Abdou
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Forwards: Victorien Adebayor, Moussa Yacouba
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said gates will open at 16:00. Organisers have urged fans to follow stadium rules to ensure safety.
Predicted Score:
Morocco are unbeaten in the group, on a five-match winning streak, at home, with a sold-out stadium. Niger have struggled on the road and sit joint-bottom. The Atlas Lions are clinical in front of the goal, their defence is solid, and the home advantage stands to be significant. Niger might resist early but lack firepower to score.
Predicted score: Morocco 3-0 Niger.
