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Rabat – The Moroccan national football team has confirmed two international friendlies as part of its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Atlas Lions will first meet Ecuador on March 27, 2026, at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.Â
Kick-off is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. local time. Just a few days later, Morocco will play Paraguay on March 31, 2026, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France, starting at 8:00 p.m.
These matches are designed to give Morocco high-level opposition ahead of the World Cup. Ecuador, known as La Tri, has qualified for several recent World Cups and brings a fast, physical style of play.Â
Paraguay, meanwhile, has a history of competing strongly in South America and will provide another stern test for Walid Regragui’s squad.
The matches also come at an important moment for Morocco. After reaching the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but controversially losing to Senegal, the team is looking to rebuild momentum and sharpen its tactics before the global stage.Â
Regragui, who guided Morocco to a historic World Cup semifinal in 2022, remains in charge and is expected to use these games to test new combinations and reinforce squad depth.
For fans, the matches in Madrid and Lens are more than just warm‑ups. They give the Atlas Lions valuable practice against South American opponents, helping them prepare for the biggest challenge in their World Cup group, Brazil.Â
Ecuador and Paraguay were chosen because their style of play reflects the pace, intensity, and physicality Morocco will face against Brazil at the 2026 tournament.
By scheduling these friendlies, the Moroccan federation is ensuring the squad adapts to both styles before the real test begins at the World Cup. Playing in prestigious European venues will also attract large Moroccan communities abroad, creating strong support and a lively atmosphere for the team.
