Morocco turn to Madagascar after El Salvador match cancellation

Morocco will continue their build-up to the upcoming tournament when they take on Madagascar in an international friendly in Rabat on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and forms part of the Atlas Lions’ final preparations before competitive action begins.

Friendly matches are traditionally used by coaching staffs to fine-tune tactical plans, assess player performances and test different combinations without affecting tournament standings.

For Morocco, the encounter represents another opportunity to evaluate their readiness as preparations enter a crucial phase.

The fixture was arranged after Morocco’s previously planned friendly against El Salvador was cancelled. To ensure the national team’s programme remained on track, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation reached an agreement with Madagascar to replace the original fixture, according to Lionsdelatlas.

The match will be broadcast live on Arryadia.

For head coach Mohammed Ouahbi and his staff, the game provides a valuable chance to continue refining their plans ahead of another scheduled test against Norway later this month. Both matches are intended to help the technical team make final adjustments before Morocco begin their campaign in the tournament.

Morocco’s opening match is expected to be a group-stage encounter against Brazil, making the remaining preparation games particularly significant for the squad.

Beyond the tactical aspects, attention will also focus on several players seeking to strengthen their positions within the team.

With opportunities becoming increasingly limited as the tournament approaches, performances against Madagascar could prove important for individuals hoping to secure a place in the coach’s plans.

Among those expected to attract attention are Ayyoub Bouaddi and Ayoube Amaimouni, two players who are seen as having an opportunity to impress during one of the final assessment matches before the global competition begins.

As Morocco continue their preparations in Rabat, the friendly against Madagascar offers both the coaching staff and players another chance to fine-tune their approach ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.