Morocco and Norway are set to face each other in an international friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon, both teams gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match comes after successful qualification campaigns and impressive showings in recent international matches, providing both nations with renewed confidence.
The Moroccan team enters this fixture riding a remarkable unbeaten streak dating back to 2025. The Atlas Lions have solidified their position as one of the premier national teams in Africa. After achieving the historic milestone of being the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar four years ago, Morocco has continued to flourish under the guidance of manager Mohamed Ouahbi. Recently, they were honored with a retroactive award of the Africa Cup of Nations title by the African federation.
In qualification for the 2026 tournament, Morocco performed impressively, winning all eight matches in a group that included Niger, Tanzania, and Congo, netting 22 goals. With challenging World Cup group matches against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti on the horizon, this friendly match is seen as a crucial opportunity for Morocco to test their mettle against top European competition.
The Morocco national team X account shared a video from their second training session in the U.S., showcasing dynamic drills, team spirit, and laughter as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The footage features the Atlas Lions in their red kits engaged in various activities, including hurdles and playful interactions, during their recovery-focused sessions at Pingry School in New Jersey.
Norway, on the other hand, is experiencing a wave of optimism after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, achieved through an impressive UEFA qualifying campaign. Under the direction of manager Stale Solbakken, they won eight consecutive matches, including a remarkable 4-1 victory over Italy, where Manchester City forward Erling Haaland was a standout performer.
Haaland emerged as the top scorer in European qualifying, netting 16 goals, while Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard has been pivotal in midfield. Additionally, Norway showcased their attacking prowess in recent friendlies, securing a 3-1 win against Sweden, highlighted by two goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Landslaget are now gearing up for a tough World Cup group consisting of France, Senegal, and Iraq.
Team News
Morocco might once again be without key defender Achraf Hakimi, who is managing a hamstring injury sustained during club play with Paris Saint-Germain. In his absence, Noussair Mazraoui is likely to continue at right-back, with Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi potentially returning as well.
Norway is expected to reinstate Erling Haaland to the starting lineup after he was rested in their last match. Alexander Sorloth is anticipated to partner him in the attack, supported by key creative players Julian Ryerson and Martin Odegaard.
Possible Lineups
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Aguerd, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, El Mourabet, Diaz, Ounahi, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi
Norway possible starting lineup:
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Bobb, Berge, Aursnes, Nusa; Haaland, Sorloth
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | Fanzone TV |
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball gives a prediction of a 2-2 draw between Morocco and Norway.
Both Morocco and Norway are entering this match with strong momentum and feature attacking players capable of delivering an engaging game. While Morocco’s structured approach and experience in high-stakes matches may counterbalance Norway’s offensive capabilities led by Haaland and Odegaard, the encounter promises to be one of the notable warm-ups ahead of the World Cup.
