Mali could face Russia in their first match of the upcoming FIFA international window, with talks reportedly ongoing between the two football federations.
According to Afrik Foot, the friendly is expected to take place in Moscow on March 27, providing the Eagles of Mali with an opportunity to test their squad ahead of the summer.
Discussions are also underway for a second fixture during the same international window, which could see Mali take on either Equatorial Guinea or Angola between March 30 and 31, 2026.
The planned matches mark an important period for Mali, who failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite missing out on the global tournament, the team reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, demonstrating competitive progress under their current coaching setup.
These friendlies are expected to give Mali a platform to evaluate both experienced players and emerging talent, allowing the national team to build cohesion and tactical flexibility ahead of the next competitive cycle.
Playing against Russia in Moscow will provide the squad with a test against European opposition, while the potential second match will offer additional match practice and the chance to experiment with different formations and strategies.
The Malian Football Federation has not yet confirmed the official line-ups or venues for the second fixture, but preparations are reportedly advancing to ensure both matches can take place within the FIFA calendar.
Fans will be eager to see how the Eagles perform against high-profile opponents and whether the team can continue its development following a solid showing at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
With these friendlies, Mali aims to maintain momentum, give valuable international experience to key players, and assess squad depth as they plan for future African and global competitions.
🚨Un Russie-Mali se préparerait en coulisses pour le mois prochain !
La rencontre serait en tractation et dépendrait aussi de la nouvelle organisation de la FEMAFOOT 🇲🇱
Source 🗞️ @Ibradiaki pic.twitter.com/ENCDtUI2Ro
— Les Aigles Du Mali 🇲🇱🦅 (@AiglesDuMali_) February 11, 2026
