No friendly games with Japan and South Korea have been agreed  – Morocco’s FRMF

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has refuted reports suggesting that they agreed to organise two friendly matches against Japan and South Korea during the October international break.

The proposed matches were considered following Eritrea’s withdrawal from Morocco’s World Cup qualifying group.

However, it has emerged that the FRMF, in coordination with coach Walid Regragui, rejected the plan for two key reasons.

Firstly, both Japan and South Korea requested that the matches be held on their home soil, a move that could place significant travel demands on the players.

Secondly, Regragui prefers to arrange friendlies against African sides as part of Morocco’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, rather than facing teams from outside the continent.

The decision aligns with Regragui’s previous stance, having declined a friendly against Sweden in Stockholm.

The coach has consistently emphasised his intent to host as many preparatory matches as possible in Morocco, targeting African opposition ahead of the continental tournament.

Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions will take on Niger and Zambia in the Matchday 7 and 8 games of teh 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.