Ethiopia thump Djibouti in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Ethiopia produced one of the most commanding performances of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers so far, demolishing Djibouti 6-1 to secure their first win of the campaign in sensational fashion.

Hat-tricks from Bereka Desta and Abubeker Nassir stole the show at Stade Ben M’Hamed El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco, as the Walya Antelopes ran riot against a defenseless Djibouti side.

Desta opened the scoring in the 19th minute and struck again in the 52nd and 70th minutes, completing a clinical display.

Nassir was equally ruthless, netting in the 34th, 37th, and 58th minutes, completing a deadly attacking performance that left Djibouti reeling.

Djibouti, who now sit with just a single point from six games, briefly sparked some hope when Samuel Akinbinu pulled a goal back in the 51st minute.

However, it was a mere consolation, as Ethiopia surged forward to claim all three points and climb to fourth place in the group standings. They remain seven points behind leaders Egypt, who still have a game in hand.

This was a statement victory for Mesay Teferi’s side, who had struggled in earlier fixtures but will now look to carry this momentum into the final stages of qualifying.

With two matchdays remaining, both Tunisia and Ethiopia have reignited their fans’ hopes – the former aiming for a World Cup return, while the latter is showing signs that they may still have a significant impact on the final outcome of Group A.