More than 1,000 security staff will be deployed for Friday’s international friendly between the Morocco national football team and the Ecuador national football team in Madrid.
The match will take place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano at 21:15 local time as both sides prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that the operation will involve the National Police, the Civil Guard and the Madrid Municipal Police, alongside emergency and protection services. Fans have been urged to arrive early to pass through security checkpoints.
Madrid is home to a large Moroccan community, and high-profile friendlies in major European cities are often treated as high-risk events.
The fixture marks the first matches of a new era under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui earlier this month. Ouahbi previously led Morocco’s U20 side to win the World Cup in Chile and is expected to focus on integrating younger players.
Morocco will play a second friendly against the Paraguay national football team on 31 March at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The games form part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
