Preparing for the FIFA World Cup involves strategic planning, including scheduling the right opponents for pre-tournament friendlies. One common question is: Are national teams allowed to play friendly matches against their World Cup group opponents before the tournament?
The short answer: Yes — FIFA does not prohibit it. There is no official rule preventing two teams drawn into the same World Cup group from arranging a friendly match before the tournament. However, several strategic and practical considerations explain why it rarely happens.
What FIFA Regulations Say About Pre-World Cup Friendlies
FIFA’s official regulations, such as the Regulations Governing International Matches and the FIFA International Match Calendar, outline rules for organizing international friendlies. These include player eligibility, match reporting, referee approval, and scheduling requirements.
Key points:
- FIFA allows any two national teams to play a friendly match, including future World Cup opponents.
- The match must take place during an official FIFA international window.
- Teams must follow proper notification, eligibility, and organizational procedures.
There is no clause in FIFA regulations that bans friendlies between World Cup group opponents.
Why Teams Rarely Play Group Opponents Before the World Cup
Even though it is allowed, most national teams avoid playing group-stage rivals in friendlies. The reasons are strategic rather than regulatory.
1. Tactical Secrecy
Teams avoid revealing formations, playing styles, and tactics to opponents they will face in a competitive setting soon after.
2. Risk of Injury and Competitive Exposure
Playing against a direct World Cup rival carries injury risk and may provide valuable insight for the opponent’s scouting and preparation.
3. Better Preparation Through Similar Playing Styles
Coaches prefer to play friendly matches against teams that mimic the style of group opponents rather than playing the group opponents themselves.
4. Public Perception and Competitive Integrity
Some federations feel it may appear questionable or unnecessary to meet a group rival before facing them officially.
When Can Teams Schedule Such Friendlies?
To legally schedule a pre-World Cup friendly, the match must meet the following conditions:
- Must take place during a FIFA-sanctioned international match window
- Players must be released by their clubs
- Federations must follow proper reporting and venue approvals
- The match must be listed as an official International “A” match if full squads participate
Late May and early June, just before the World Cup, are common windows for such friendly matches.
Can Teams Schedule a Friendly Right After the Group Draw?
Yes, they can. There is no rule that prevents it. However, most national federations avoid doing so for strategic reasons.
Final Verdict
| Scenario | Allowed by FIFA? | Common in Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly match with a future World Cup group opponent before the tournament | Yes | Rare |
| Friendly scheduled before draw, later becoming group opponents | Yes | Common |
| Friendly during World Cup tournament | No | Not permitted |
Conclusion
There are no FIFA rules that prohibit national teams from playing friendly matches against World Cup group opponents before the tournament. It is legally allowed, but tactically uncommon.