Morocco are lining up a friendly against Uzbekistan in October at the Grand Stadium of Tangier, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on home soil, according to various sources.

Talks between the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and its Uzbek counterpart are reportedly at an advanced stage, with the game expected to be scheduled within the FIFA international window from October 6 to 14. The fixture would replace Morocco’s cancelled qualifier against Eritrea, who withdrew before the campaign began. The Atlas Lions will then face Congo-Brazzaville in their final group game.

Uzbekistan, currently ranked 55th in the world and sixth in Asia, are seen as one of the rising forces on the continent. They have already sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

For Morocco, the aim is to test themselves against different footballing styles to sharpen their physical and tactical edge. The match will also mark the reopening of Tangier’s Grand Stadium, which has been expanded to over 75,000 seats – the biggest in the country. The venue has already hosted major events, including the Spanish Super Cup, Club World Cup, and several high-profile Atlas Lions fixtures, including a friendly game against Brazil in March 2023.

Speaking after Morocco’s win against Zambia in Ndola, head coach Walid Regragui stressed the importance of maintaining momentum after a flawless qualification run so far. “The team has shown that we can win at home and away,” he said.

“Now we’re on the Borak (high-speed train) and there’s no turning back. We’ve proved we can go at the speed we want, but the games ahead will be tough. We’re not the only ones with players at clubs like Chelsea. We need to bring back the spirit of Qatar, because talking alone won’t win us the cup.”