Morocco has turned down requests from several African football federations seeking to host their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in the country due to ongoing stadium renovations.
According to Moroccan publication Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) received multiple applications from African teams hoping to use Moroccan venues for their home fixtures.
However, many of these requests were denied, as several stadiums are currently undergoing redevelopment in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
Despite the restrictions, Morocco will still accommodate eight matches for teams whose home grounds do not meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
Select matches approved
While many teams were turned away, a few were granted permission to play in Morocco.
Ethiopia will host Egypt at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, while the Comoros Islands will play their qualifiers against Mali and Chad at the Berkane Municipal Stadium.
Burundi, which lacks an approved stadium, will face Ivory Coast and Seychelles at the Cherki Stadium in Meknes.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso will take on Ethiopia at the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, and Niger will use the Oujda Stadium to play against Morocco’s national team, the Atlas Lions.
Stadium renovations a priority
The decision to limit foreign teams’ access to Moroccan stadiums comes as the country intensifies its preparations for two major international tournaments.
The 2025 AFCON, which Morocco will host, is set to feature upgraded venues to meet CAF’s highest standards. Additionally, as part of the 2030 World Cup infrastructure plan, multiple stadiums are undergoing extensive renovations or reconstruction.
With Morocco’s growing role as a hub for African football, the FRMF remains committed to supporting teams in need of a venue while balancing the demands of its own national projects.
However, as the World Cup qualifiers progress, African teams facing stadium approval issues may need to seek alternative solutions beyond Morocco.
