OUJDA, Morocco — Morocco took a big step toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday night at Stade Municipal in Oujda. Second-half goals from Nayef Aguerd and Brahim Díaz secured the win, giving Morocco a perfect 15 points from five matches in Group E.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui praised his team’s performance during Ramadan, noting many players are in the middle of busy club seasons. “The most important thing was to take six points from these two games, and we’ve done that,” said Regragui, who led Morocco to the World Cup semifinals in 2022.
In contrast, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes suffered another setback after a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo. Victor Osimhen put Nigeria ahead late, but Tawanda Chirewa’s stoppage-time equalizer left the Super Eagles fourth in Group C with just seven points from six matches.
South Africa leads Group C after a 2-0 win over Benin, while Egypt maintained its five-point lead in Group A with a 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone. In Group B, DR Congo moved into first place with a 2-0 win over Mauritania.
The group winners in African qualifying will advance directly to the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The four best second-place teams will enter a playoff for two additional spots.
— The USA New Times Sports Desk
