Africa’s 2026 World Cup teams step up preparations with global friendlies

Africa’s qualified teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have begun fine-tuning their preparations with a series of international friendlies across Europe, Asia and Africa, as they build momentum ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A record nine African nations have already secured direct qualification for the expanded global showpiece, marking a historic milestone for the continent.

Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Ghana and Cape Verde all topped their respective qualification groups, while DR Congo remain in contention for a possible tenth slot through the intercontinental play-offs.

With qualification secured, attention has shifted towards preparation — and this week’s fixtures provide a clear indication of the level of opposition Africa’s representatives are seeking ahead of the global tournament.

Heavyweight tests for African contenders

Several of Africa’s leading sides are facing strong international opposition as they assess squad depth, tactical systems and player fitness.

Morocco, the first African team to qualify, host Ecuador in Marrakech before taking on Paraguay, continuing their strategy of facing South American opposition. Senegal, one of the continent’s most consistent performers, meet Peru in France before a regional clash against neighbours The Gambia.

Ghana face a demanding European double-header against Austria and Germany, offering a stern test for Otto Addo’s side, while Egypt travel to Saudi Arabia before a high-profile clash against Spain.

Algeria will take on Guatemala and Uruguay in Europe, as they continue their preparations under Vladimir Petkovic, while Côte d’Ivoire face Asian giants Korea Republic and then Scotland in the United Kingdom.

Tunisia are also engaged in fixtures in North America, including matches against Haiti and co-hosts Canada, giving them valuable exposure to conditions similar to those expected at the World Cup.

South Africa, meanwhile, will play Panama twice on home soil in Durban and Cape Town, as they look to build cohesion ahead of their return to the global stage.

Cape Verde, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in their history, face Chile and Finland in New Zealand — a unique preparation setting that highlights the global nature of the warm-up matches.

Broader African involvement in friendlies

Beyond the qualified nations, several African teams who missed out on qualification are also in action, using the international window to rebuild and prepare for future competitions.

Nigeria face Iran and Jordan, while Zambia take on Argentina in Buenos Aires. Cameroon travel to Australia, and Mauritania face world champions Argentina — all fixtures that provide valuable experience against top-tier opposition.

These matches offer an opportunity for emerging teams to test new players, refine strategies and lay the groundwork for upcoming continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Final stretch before global showdown

With just months to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these friendlies represent a crucial phase in preparations for Africa’s representatives.

Africa’s representatives will be hoping these matches provide the ideal platform to sharpen their squads as they prepare to take on the world in what promises to be a historic FIFA World Cup in 2026.

And the coaches will be closely monitoring performances, experimenting with line-ups and identifying areas for improvement, as the continent aims to build on its growing influence on the global stage following Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals in 2022.

Selected Fixtures involving African teams (All times local as listed)

Friday, 27 March

• Algeria vs Guatemala – 20:30 (Algiers)

• Argentina vs Mauritania – 23:15 (Nouakchott)

• Austria vs Ghana – 17:00 (Accra)

• Australia vs Cameroon – 10:10 (Yaoundé)

• Chile vs Cape Verde – 02:00 (Praia)

• Morocco vs Ecuador – 21:15 (Marrakech)

• Saudi Arabia vs Egypt – 19:30 (Cairo)

• IR Iran vs Nigeria – 14:00 (Abuja)

• South Africa vs Panama – 19:00 (Durban)

Saturday, 28 March

• Senegal vs Peru – 16:00 (Dakar)

• Korea Republic vs Côte d’Ivoire – 14:00 (Yamoussoukro)

• Haiti vs Tunisia – 01:00 (Tunis)

Monday, 30 March

• Germany vs Ghana – 18:45 (Accra)

• Cape Verde vs Finland – 02:00 (Praia)

Tuesday, 31 March

• Algeria vs Uruguay – 19:30 (Algiers)

• Spain vs Egypt – Kick-off time TBC

• Canada vs Tunisia – 00:30 (Tunis, 1 April)

• Morocco vs Paraguay – 20:00 (Marrakech)

• Senegal vs The Gambia – 19:00 (Diamniadio)

• South Africa vs Panama – 19:30 (Cape Town)

• Scotland vs Côte d’Ivoire – 18:30 (Yamoussoukro)

• Netherlands vs Ecuador (Morocco opponents earlier) – 20:45 (Eindhoven)