Somalia is gearing up for a series of international friendly matches as they prepare for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, and they have enlisted the talents of Kenyan-born defender, Abdi Muya Salim.
This marks a significant moment in Somalia’s football history as they are set to play two international friendly matches in a single week, paving the way for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey. These upcoming matches will serve as valuable preparation for the World Cup qualifier clashes scheduled for November.
On a journey that began in Mogadishu, a delegation consisting of 16 players and six officials departed for Morocco on a Sunday. They will soon be joined by an additional 13 players currently engaged in foreign football leagues. Together, this diverse assembly of talent represents a promising blend of local and international experience, all poised to leave their mark on the global stage, under the guidance of Moroccan coach Rachid Lousteque.
The first international friendly is scheduled against Niger on Saturday, October 14, followed by a matchup with Sierra Leone on Tuesday, October 17. These historic encounters will take place at Stade Berrechid in Morocco, providing a neutral ground that ensures a level playing field for the emerging Somali team and their opponents.
Ali Abdi Mohamed, President of the Somali Football Federation, expressed his excitement, saying, “This year we are playing two international friendlies; it will be the first time Somalia plays international friendlies. I am very delighted that we are in action ahead of our FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Algeria and Uganda.”
As part of their World Cup campaign, the Somali national team is set to face Algeria on November 13. Subsequently, on November 21, they will host Uganda in Morocco, which has been graciously offered as Somalia’s home ground for the World Cup qualifier clashes, thanks to the generosity of their Moroccan counterpart, Fousi Lakjaa.
Notably, Abdi Muya Salim, a Kenyan-born defender who currently plays for Orlando City in the US Major Soccer League (MLS), has been called up to represent the Somali national team in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This demonstrates the diverse and international nature of Somalia’s team as they aim for World Cup qualification.
