World Cup 2026: Twelve qualifying matches to be held in Morocco! (Official)

As the first international break of 2025 approaches, FIFA has released the African qualifying schedule for the 2026 World Cup. Due to a lack of standard-compliant infrastructure, several nations have chosen to play their home matches... in Morocco. In total, 12 matches will be relocated there.

Morocco, already qualified as a co-host, will still play two matches at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda: against Niger on March 21, and then against Tanzania on March 25. Niger, lacking an approved stadium, will also play its "home" match in the land of the Atlas Lions.

Morocco, a welcoming ground for several African teams

Other teams have also opted for this solution: Central African Republic, Burundi, and Comoros will play twice, while Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Madagascar will play one match each.

Casablanca will host three matches, notably Ethiopia-Egypt (March 21), while Meknès, Berkane, and Oujda will each host two fixtures. El Jadida and Al Hoceima will host one match each.

Morocco thus confirms its central role in African football, offering modern facilities to nations in need.

Below is the complete schedule of matches:

Wednesday, March 19

• Central African Republic-Madagascar (Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca)

Friday, March 21

• Niger-Morocco (Stade d’Honneur, Oujda)
• Burundi-Ivory Coast (Stade d’Honneur, Meknès)
• Comoros-Mali (Municipal Stadium, Berkane)
• Burkina Faso-Djibouti (Stade El Abdi, El Jadida)
• Ethiopia-Egypt (Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca)

Monday, March 24

• Central African Republic-Mali (Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca)
• Madagascar-Ghana (Grand Stadium, Al Hoceima)
• Ethiopia-Djibouti (Casablanca)

Tuesday, March 25

• Morocco-Tanzania (Stade d’Honneur, Oujda)
• Burundi-Seychelles (Stade d’Honneur, Meknès)
• Comoros-Chad (Municipal Stadium, Berkane)

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.