Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, several African national teams have confirmed their opponents for the international break in March. These matches will serve as key preparation for the tournament, which will be hosted in Mexico, Canada and USA
The majority of the fixtures will take place in Europe, the Middle East, and North America, offering African sides the chance to test themselves against a variety of playing styles.
Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Headline European Tests
Morocco, who made history by reaching the semi-finals in 2022, will face two South American opponents. The Atlas Lions will take on Ecuador in Madrid, followed by a match against Paraguay in Lens, France.
Côte d’Ivoire, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions, have scheduled a double-header in the United Kingdom. They will meet South Korea in London before facing Scotland at Everton’s home ground.
Egypt and Ghana Secure Top Tier Opposition
Egypt, aiming for a return to the World Cup, will play two matches in Doha. They are set to face Saudi Arabia and European heavyweights Spain.
Ghana will travel to Austria for a match against the Austrian national team in Vienna. They will then face four-time World Cup winners Germany in Stuttgart.
Algeria and Tunisia Set for Competitive Encounters
Algeria will play their friendlies in Turin, Italy. They are scheduled to face Uruguay and Guatemala.
Tunisia will head to Toronto, where they will play Haiti and the host nation, Canada.
Additional Fixtures Across the Globe
Other notable friendlies include Senegal traveling to the United States to face Panama in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Cape Verde will play two matches in Auckland, New Zealand, facing Chile and Finland.
South Africa has also confirmed a match against Panama, though the venue is yet to be announced.
These matches provide a crucial opportunity for African teams to build squad chemistry and test their tactics ahead of the World Cup later this year.
Hosts Mexico will open the biggest-ever edition of the World Cup on 11 June 2026 with the first of 104 matches which will be staged in 16 locations across three countries giving the framework for the tournament featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Hosts Mexico will have the honour of getting the tournament under way in their capital city, kicking off proceedings in their venue which hosted the World Cup finals and opening games of 1970 and 1986.