Morocco’s national football team will begin a new era under coach Mohamed Ouahbi on Friday when it plays Ecuador in a friendly at Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano, part of a European tour ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The game’s Kickoff is set for 9:15 p.m. local time. The match airs on Arryadia. Morocco will then play the Paraguay national football team on March 31 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Pas-de-Calais, France.
Ouahbi has taken the reins with a clear goal in mind. He wants a competitive group ready for a major global event in a few months. He said the two friendlies will test the squad in a demanding setting and help refine tactical and personnel choices.
Morocco is going into the match with momentum. The team is unbeaten in its last 24 matches in all competitions and has not conceded a goal during that run. In the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it scored nine goals, beating Senegal 3-0 after a CAF ruling, defeating Zambia 3-0, and edging Nigeria on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
Ecuador has a different profile, playing tight games and defending with discipline. It has not lost in 15 matches. It beat Argentina 1-0 in September 2025 and posted draws against Canada and the United States. Its last five games produced five goals scored and two allowed.
This will be the first meeting between the teams. Morocco holds a slight edge in current form and ranking. Ecuador’s record suggests a low-scoring contest.
Ouahbi called 28 players and introduced several new names, including Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, Ismael Baouf, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Samir El Mourabet, Yassine Gessime, and Yassir Zabiri. The mix adds competition across positions and could reshape roles within the group.
Midfield balance will shape the game plan. A technical double pivot could improve buildup and help break pressure, but it could also leave gaps on second balls. A more physical option adds defensive cover but could slow circulation.
Morocco is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. Fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui can create width and overloads. Quick recovery runs will be key to avoid exposure after turnovers.
The friendlies fit into a broader plan for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Morocco will play Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland in the group stage. The current window offers a first look at Ouahbi’s ideas and the squad’s readiness against organized opposition.
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