African champions Morocco play Ecuador tonight at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid in a friendly match seen as part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup. It will be the first meeting between the Morocco national football team and the Ecuador national football team and marks the debut of Morocco’s new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Kick-off is at 21:15 Morocco time (GMT+1) and fans can catch the action live on Arriyadia TNT and DAZN.
Morocco arrive on a 24-match unbeaten run and recently won the Africa Cup of Nations final. Ecuador are also in form, unbeaten in 15 matches, and have conceded just one goal in their last 11 competitive games.
Both sides boast strong defensive organisation.
Morocco’s squad includes young prospects Rayane Bounida, Gessime Yassinem, and Samir El Mourabet. The defence is without Nayef Aguerd, who is recovering from groin surgery, and Adam Masina, who is not fully fit. Brahim Díaz is expected to lead the attack.
Ouahbi said the match offers a chance to test new central defensive options including Issa Diop and Chadi Riad.
Ecuador rely on a defensive partnership of Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié, with captain Enner Valencia leading the attack alongside Gonzalo Plata. Midfield duties are expected to fall to Moisés Caicedo and Kendry Páez.
Ouahbi said the match is part of rebuilding the defence after recent injuries and praised young dual-national players choosing to represent Morocco.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece said he expects a “World Cup atmosphere” in Madrid due to strong support from both countries’ communities.
Likely line-ups
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bounou – Hakimi, Riad, Diop, Mazraoui – El Aynaoui, Ounahi – Brahim, El Khannouss, Ezzalzouli – El Kaabi
Ecuador (4-4-2): Galíndez – Estupiñán, Pacho, Hincapié, Ordoñez – Caicedo, Páez, Angulo, Franco – Valencia, Plata
Prediction
Given both teams’ defensive records, we expect a a low-scoring match.
Verdict: Morocco 0-0 Ecuador
