Morocco to play El Salvador in US friendly before 2026 World Cup

Morocco's national football team will face El Salvador in a friendly match in the United States on June three, 2026, ahead of the World Cup.

The game gives both sides a chance to fine‑tune tactics and assess player fitness before the tournament begins, offering coaches valuable data against non‑regional opposition.

The friendly is scheduled for June three, 2026, in the United States, though the exact city has not been disclosed ^[1]. It will be the first of Morocco's warm‑up fixtures on North American soil.

Morocco has also arranged a match against Norway, bringing the total number of pre‑World Cup friendlies to two ^[2]. The Norway and El Salvador games are intended to simulate the variety of styles the Atlas Lions may encounter in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Walid Regragui said the El Salvador encounter will test defensive organization and set‑piece execution, areas that proved decisive in recent qualifiers. The match will also allow fringe players to stake a claim for the final tournament roster.

Holding the match in the United States reflects the growing commercial interest in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The venue provides a neutral setting and the opportunity for North American fans to see both teams live.

What this means: The friendly offers Morocco a crucial rehearsal in a venue similar to several World Cup sites, helping the team adapt to travel, climate, and pitch conditions they will face in July. It also signals the federation's intent to maximize preparation time against diverse opponents, a strategy that could improve performance when the tournament kicks off.