Morocco’s bid to host Argentina in an October friendly has been turned down despite the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) reportedly offering about $1m to stage the match in Rabat.
The proposal was made to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) as Morocco sought a high-profile opponent for the next international window. The match would have brought together the Atlas Lions and the finalists of the most recent World Cup, just months after the tournament.
The offer was reported by Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati, who said the FRMF had put forward the substantial sum in an attempt to secure Argentina’s visit.
Morocco are keen to continue testing themselves against leading international teams. Following their quarter-final appearance at the 2026 World Cup, the federation has been working on a programme of prestigious fixtures, with Argentina identified as a potential opponent for October.
A meeting with the South American side would also have provided an important early test for Mohamed Ouahbi’s new team. However, the financial terms were not enough to persuade the AFA to accept the proposed trip.
According to the same report, Argentina’s decision was not linked to Morocco as an opponent. The AFA instead wants the national team’s next friendlies to be played in Argentina, allowing Lionel Scaloni’s side to reconnect with supporters at home during the period following the World Cup.
Argentina’s federation is still shaping its calendar. The opponents, dates and venues for the team’s upcoming fixtures have yet to be finalised, and a trip to Rabat apparently does not fit its immediate plans.
Morocco must now consider alternative options for the October window. The FRMF’s intention remains to arrange regular matches against top-level nations as the team begins a new cycle towards its next major international commitments.
The Atlas Lions’ standing has risen significantly in recent years. They reached a historic semi-final at the 2022 World Cup before advancing to the quarter-finals in 2026, and a fixture with Argentina would have reflected that increased status on the international stage.
The two teams will therefore have to wait before meeting again. Morocco still has several weeks to find another high-profile opponent for October.