It’s the start of a new era for Morocco as coach Ouahbi takes charge for the first time against Ecuador. This friendly is definitely one to watch as a first look at his leadership as the team starts building toward the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco is coming in with confidence after officially being named the 2025 AFCON champions and eager to prove they’re one of the best teams in the world. But, Ecuador is going to be a real challenge. They haven’t lost in 15 matches and have a rock-solid defense, so this will be a perfect early test to see what Ouahbi’s team is made of.
Match Details
- Fixture: Morocco vs Ecuador
- Competition: International Friendly
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Kick-off: 9:15 p.m (local time) | 8:15 GMT
How & Where to Watch
The match will be shown live on Arryadia and ESPN Deportes.
Morocco Team News
All attention will be on how Morocco approach their first match under Ouahbi, especially with some notable absences.
A number of new faces could make their debuts. Notable additions are Issa Diop, who recently switched sporting nationality, and young forward Yassir Zabiri, one of the emerging attacking options in the squad.
There are also important absences. Defender Nayef Aguerd will miss out due to a groin issue, while Youssef En-Nesyri and Ilias Akhomach and Amrabat have not been called up for tactical reasons.
There is, however, a key return with Noussair Mazraoui back available after recovering from injury.
Morocco expected XI: Bono, Hakimi, Diop, Baouf, Mazraoui, Hrimat, Ounahi, El Aynaoui, Brahim Díaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi.
Ecuador Team News
Ecuador arrive in excellent shape under Sebastián Beccacece, having built one of the most consistent defensive records in international football.
They are currently on a long unbeaten run stretching back to September 2024, and conceded just once in their final 11 World Cup qualifying matches. Their campaign was strong enough to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a second-place finish in South America.
Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is being rested as a precaution, while Nilson Angulo is also unavailable.
Captain Enner Valencia returns to the squad and is expected to lead the line, bringing experience and a goal threat against Morocco’s defense.
Ecuador expected XI: Galíndez, Ordóñez, Pacho, Hincapié, Franco, Vite, Gruezo, Plata, Yeboah, Valencia, Campana.
Since these two senior sides have never faced each other before, we’re heading into the unknown. It’s going to be a fascinating watch: can Morocco’s creative attackers actually find a way through one of the most disciplined defenses in the game right now?
Score Prediction: Morocco 1–1 Ecuador.
