El Salvador Drops Morocco Friendly, Replaced by Qatar Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Rabat – The planned international friendly between Morocco national football team and El Salvador national football team has officially been canceled, with El Salvador opting instead to face Qatar national football team during the June international window.
The match, initially scheduled for June 3 in Washington, D.C., was part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, logistical and sporting complications forced a late change of plans, ultimately leading to Morocco’s withdrawal and Qatar stepping in as a replacement.
Morocco unable to field full squad
According to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), several overlapping factors made it impossible for Morocco to travel to the US with a complete squad. The federation cited the congestion of continental club competitions in Europe and Asia, alongside adjustments in domestic league calendars in Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
In addition, injuries affecting key players further weakened the squad. In an official communication, the FRMF explained that at least a third of the players expected to be included in the final World Cup list would be unavailable, making participation in the US-based friendly “illogical” from a technical standpoint.
Rather than cancel outright, Morocco proposed relocating the match to Rabat on June 2, offering to cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the Salvadoran delegation. The move was intended to preserve the fixture while ensuring better sporting conditions.
El Salvador rejects Rabat proposal
El Salvador’s federation president, Yamil Bukele, confirmed receiving Morocco’s proposal but ultimately declined it. He pointed to FIFA regulations that prevent national teams from playing matches across different continents within the same international window.
Bukele also emphasized that El Salvador had already committed to a predefined schedule involving two friendlies in the Americas, making a trip to Africa unfeasible from both logistical and regulatory perspectives.
Despite rejecting the proposal, the Salvadoran federation expressed appreciation for Morocco’s professionalism and willingness to host the match.
Qatar steps in as replacement
Following the cancellation, El Salvador confirmed that it will now face Qatar on June 6 in Los Angeles. The match will be played behind closed broadcast arrangements, as Qatari authorities have decided not to televise the encounter.
Qatar, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Asian qualifiers, continues to fine-tune its preparations. The Gulf nation is set to compete in group B, alongside Canada, Bosnia, and Switzerland.
A setback in Morocco’s preparations
For Morocco, the cancellation points to the growing difficulty of organizing international friendlies amid an increasingly congested football calendar. The Atlas Lions, who made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are expected to face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the group stage of the 2026 edition.
While another friendly against Norway remains on the schedule, the failed arrangement with El Salvador shows the challenges facing top national teams as they balance club commitments, injuries, and international ambitions.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, Morocco will need to adjust quickly to ensure optimal preparation, this time without El Salvador, and with Qatar taking its place.
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