Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Morocco-Ecuador, likely lineups

Morocco and Ecuador measure their strengths ahead of World Cup 2026. The two selections face off at 9:15 p.m. in a friendly on a neutral field, the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain. The North Africans, resounding winners of the African Cup of Nations, qualified for the World Cup by dominating their group. Ecuador, on the other hand, finished second in the single South American qualifying round, losing just two games and showing impressive solidity.

Morocco’s trident consists of Brahim Diaz, El Kaabi and Ezzalzouli. In midfield El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari, while the full-backs are Hakimi and Mazraoui. In goal is Bounou.

Valencia is the focal point of the Ecuadorian attack; behind him will be Plata. On the wings are Preciado and Angulo, in midfield Caicedo and Vite. Ecuador achieved its best result in World Cup history in 2006, making it to the round of 16.

Morocco-Ecuador, the likely lineups
MOROCCO(4-3-3): Y. Bounou; Hakimi, Riad, Diop, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Brahim Diaz, El Kaabi, Ezzalzouli.
ECUADOR(4-4-1-1): Galindez; Hurtado, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Preciado, M. Caicedo, Vite, Angulo; Plata; Valencia.