El Salvador Friendly in Doubt as Morocco Propose Venu Change
Rabat – The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has suggested a major change to the national team’s June schedule, proposing that the friendly against El Salvador be played in Rabat instead of Washington, D.C.
The match was originally set for June 3 in the US as part of Morocco’s World Cup preparations.
In a letter sent to the Salvadoran federation, the FRMF explained that several factors led to the proposed adjustment.
Continental club competitions in Europe and Asia overlap with the FIFA international window, while domestic league calendars in Morocco and Saudi Arabia have also shifted.
In addition, injuries to key players would make it difficult for Morocco to field a full squad if the match goes ahead in the US.
Officials argued that playing with a depleted team would undermine the technical goals of the friendly, which is intended to sharpen the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the complications, the FRMF reaffirmed its willingness to face El Salvador. The federation proposed moving the game to Rabat on June 2, offering to cover all travel and accommodation costs for the Salvadoran delegation.
The letter stressed Morocco’s intent to maintain strong ties between the two federations and ensure the game takes place under suitable conditions.
El Salvador’s response
El Salvador’s federation president, Yamil Bukele, confirmed receiving the proposal but said it was impossible to accept.
Bukele explained that FIFA rules prevent teams from playing friendlies in different continents during the same international window, writing on X
A la afición y a la prensa deportiva queremos informar que:
1. Recibimos correspondencia oficial de la Real Federación Marroquí de Fútbol, notificándonos que, para el juego ante El Salvador, programado para el 3 de junio en Maryland, EUA, no podrían… pic.twitter.com/eusLF8Ayss— Yamil Bukele (@ybukele) April 22, 2026
El Salvador already has two matches scheduled in the Americas during that period, making a trip to Africa unworkable.
Bukele thanked Morocco for its professionalism and willingness to host, but said logistical and regulatory barriers make the plan unrealistic.
The situation leaves the friendly in doubt. With Morocco unable to guarantee a full squad in the US and El Salvador unable to travel to Africa, the match may be canceled altogether.
FRMF has apologized for the disruption and said it remains open to further coordination, but time is short with the June window approaching.
Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already faced scheduling constraints.
The Atlas Lions are set to face Norway on June 7, but the uncertainty around the El Salvador game shows the challenges of organizing friendlies during a crowded calendar.
Read also: Morocco to Face El Salvador in Friendly Ahead of World Cup
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