The Moroccan national team concluded its preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a positive draw against Norway, one goal each, in a friendly match held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, USA.
This draw serves as a final rehearsal for the Atlas Lions before entering the World Cup competition, with both teams showing fighting spirit and a desire to perform at their best.
The first half started with a fast pace and great enthusiasm from both sides. The Moroccan team succeeded in imposing its tactical rhythm, with Ibrahim Diaz opening the scoring in the eighth minute with a wonderful artistic touch, following an excellent individual effort by player Abdel Samad El Azloul.
Despite the good performance by the Atlas Lions, the first half witnessed injuries to both Noussair Mazraoui and Abdel Samad El Azloul, raising questions about their readiness to participate in the anticipated match against Brazil.
In the second half, the Norwegian team intensified their pressure seeking the equalizer, while the Moroccan team relied on counter-attacks that posed a clear threat to the opponent’s goal.
This Norwegian pressure succeeded in the seventy-fifth minute when Martin Ødegaard managed to equalize for his team, ending the match in a positive draw with one goal each. This result reflects the competitiveness between the two teams and emphasizes the need for more focus before the World Cup begins.
This friendly match is part of the two teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup finals. The draw placed Morocco in a fiery group alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, promising strong and exciting matches.
The Atlas Lions are scheduled to start their tournament journey facing Brazil on Saturday, June 13, at MetLife Stadium, followed by a match against Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium, and concluding the group stage against Haiti on June 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
