Semi-finalists at the previous edition, Morocco enter the 2026 World Cup with high ambitions, but also a clear need to build cohesion following the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach in March, replacing Walid Regragui. The new leader of the Atlas Lions began his tenure with a 1–1 draw against Ecuador and a 2–1 victory over Paraguay in March, and is now aiming to increase testing opportunities ahead of the global tournament in the United States. In this context, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed three friendly matches as part of the preparation phase.
Three friendlies scheduled before the World Cup
The reigning AFCON champions will kick off their preparation with a behind-closed-doors match against Burundi on May 26 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, a fixture previously reported by Afrik-Foot. They will then play their final home farewell match against another African side, Madagascar, on June 2 at the Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.
Once in the United States—where their base camp will be in Basking Ridge, New Jersey—the Atlas Lions will conclude their preparations with a high-profile friendly against Norway and superstar Erling Haaland on June 7 at the Red Bull Arena in New York.
According to Foot Mercato, an initial training camp with an expanded squad will take place in Morocco from May 22 to 25, ahead of the Burundi match. The same source reports that Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to announce his final World Cup 2026 squad on May 29.
Drawn in Group C of the tournament, Morocco will face Brazil on June 14 in New York, Scotland on June 20 in Boston, and Haiti on June 25 in Atlanta.
