AFCON 2027 qualifiers: 10 African countries turn to Morocco for September international fixtures

Morocco is set to become a major hub for African international football during the September FIFA window, with 10 national teams reportedly preparing to stage their official matches in the Kingdom.

The teams have been forced to look outside their home countries after their stadiums failed to receive approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Mauritania, Niger, Lesotho, Central African Republic, Liberia, Benin, Togo, Guinea, Madagascar and Somalia are the countries expected to use Moroccan venues during the international break.

The fixtures will form part of the countries’ campaigns in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Morocco becomes home away from home

The decision further highlights Morocco’s growing importance as a host for African football.

The country has developed a reputation for providing stadiums that meet CAF’s technical and infrastructure requirements, allowing national teams without approved home grounds to continue playing their competitive fixtures.

With 10 countries reportedly choosing Morocco for the September window, the Kingdom could effectively become a temporary centre for African international football.

The arrangement will allow the affected teams to fulfil their home fixtures despite the lack of suitable stadiums in their own countries.

Growing role in African football

Morocco’s ability to accommodate a large number of international fixtures comes as the country continues to invest heavily in its football infrastructure.

The Kingdom is also preparing for major international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

The hosting of multiple African teams during the September window underlines Morocco’s increasing role beyond its own national-team commitments, as other countries rely on its facilities to meet CAF’s requirements.

The exact stadiums and dates for the visiting nations’ matches are expected to be confirmed once the official fixture schedule is finalised.