Africa-Press – Mauritius. As preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa’s qualified nations are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for global readiness, using the March 2026 international window to test themselves against a wide range of opponents across three continents.
Morocco, one of the continent’s most consistent performers in recent years, will measure their progress against South American opposition, taking on Ecuador and Paraguay in Spain and France. The fixtures are designed to expose Walid Regragui’s side to high-tempo, technical football, mirroring the unpredictable challenges they are likely to face in North America.
Côte d’Ivoire have opted for a blend of speed and strength, facing South Korea and Scotland in England. With matches scheduled in London and at Everton’s Goodison Park, the Elephants will be tested against Asian pace and British physicality, sharpening their competitive edge.
Ghana’s Black Stars will embark on a demanding European tour, meeting Austria and Germany away from home. Against two tactically disciplined sides, Otto Addo’s men will be pushed to refine their structure, decision-making, and mental resilience—qualities crucial for success in the group stages.
Egypt, meanwhile, will host a high-profile double-header in Doha against Saudi Arabia and Spain. The North African giants will combine regional rivalry with a stern European examination, as they look to blend experience with emerging talent under intense scrutiny.
Elsewhere, Cape Verde’s ambitious journey to New Zealand for matches against Chile and Finland highlights the growing global outlook of Africa’s smaller nations. Algeria will confront Uruguay and Costa Rica, Tunisia will test themselves against Haiti and Canada, while South Africa will hold a camp-style double encounter with Panama to strengthen team chemistry.
With fixtures spread across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, African federations are clearly prioritising exposure to varied climates, cultures, and footballing philosophies. The March window is shaping up as a crucial rehearsal, offering a glimpse into how prepared the continent’s representatives are for football’s biggest stage.
