Argentina’s leading sports and general media outlets devoted glowing coverage to the "magical night of Rabat" on the occasion of the Morocco-Niger match, highlighting the sporting performance, popular fervor, and the spectacular dimension of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The daily Clarin, which celebrated its 80th anniversary last week, noted that history was written on Friday night in two ways: the 5-0 victory over Niger and the inauguration of a brand-new stadium, described as "the most modern in Africa."
In the report from Rabat, special correspondent Luciano Gonzalez emphasized the presence of 70,000 spectators and the collective enthusiasm that turned the match into a national event.
Highlighting the symbolism of a team becoming the first in Africa to qualify for 2026, the newspaper also pointed to the chants from the stands in support of Achraf Hakimi, with fans calling for him to win the Ballon d’Or.
For its part, the sports daily Olé focused on continuity. After the "magical nights" of Qatar 2022, where the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals, Olé argued that this early qualification (a perfect tally of 18 points) confirms that Morocco has established itself among football’s elite nations.
This ticket validated with four rounds to spare illustrates the solidity of a squad accustomed to major competitions, composed of players active in Europe’s top leagues, Olé stressed.
The daily Infobae highlighted the historic significance of the event with the headline: "First African team to secure its spot." The article recalled the team’s 2022 performance, when Morocco finished fourth in the world after eliminating Spain and Portugal.
Infobae also noted that this will be the Atlas Lions’ seventh participation in a World Cup finals, a symbolic milestone for a country that has now become a regular on the global stage.
The publication further recalled that this qualification coincides with the inauguration of Rabat’s new stadium, which is already looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
Finally, the website of sports channel TyC Sports wrote that Morocco, the first African team qualified for the 2026 World Cup, has become a "model of success that inspires its neighbors."
For the sports channel, the Rabat evening symbolized a double victory: both sporting and institutional. The article praised a team that was "dominant" in the CAF qualifiers, topping its group with a flawless run.
TyC Sports added that the Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be one of the landmark venues for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, confirming Morocco’s central role in both continental and world football.
Other Argentine media outlets also highlighted Morocco’s ambition to assert itself as a footballing power, stressing that the evening went beyond a simple qualification – it was proof that Moroccan football now lives on par with the world’s leading nations.
MAP: 07 September 2025
