All you need to know about the all-African clash.
2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalists Morocco return to action on Friday, when they battle fellow North African giants Tunisia in an international friendly. The Moroccans have had a perfect start to their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign, and this fixture will be an ideal preparatory test ahead of crucial fixtures that await later this year.
Morocco and Tunisia have not faced each other in seven years – their most recent meeting in 2018 resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Morrocans in a friendly encounter. Walid Regragui’s side come into this battle on the back of some terrific form. They have gone unbeaten in their last 12 matches. They have won 10 matches on the bounce, and their relentless attacking threat could pay dividends for their more important WC Qualifiers and AFCON fixtures.
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Like their counterparts, Tunisia are undefeated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers thus far. However, the Eagles of Carthage have managed to amass merely 2 victories over the Atlas Lions in 12 face-offs. It is an unfavourable match-up for them, resulting in six consecutive games without a win in this regional rivalry. Having not conceded a goal in their past three encounters, the Tunisians will approach this game with steely determination and drive.
Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz will miss this encounter due to an injury that has kept him sidelined. Former FC Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who recently scored for Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final against Chelsea, is listed as questionable for the match. 26-year-old defender Abdel Abqar is also doubtful.
The Tunisians are unlikely to make any big changes to their setup after a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso. However, Manchester United’s former prodigy Hannibal Mejbri might get a chance to slot into the midfield. There are no further injuries for the Tunisians ahead of this encounter.
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Yamiq, El Azzouzi, Masina; Amrabat, Richardson, Ounahi; En-Nesyri, El Kaabi, Ben Seghir
Tunisia: Dahmen; Valery, Ghram, Talbi, Cherni; Sassi, Hadj Ali, Larbi; Chaouat, Khadhraoui, Mastouri
