Morocco draws with Norway in the last preparatory match before the start of the World Cup.
The Moroccan national team drew with their Norwegian counterpart 1-1 this Sunday evening in a friendly match held at the "Red Bull" Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, as part of the preparations for both teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first half started with a back-and-forth battle between the two sides, characterized by a high pace and tactical balance from the "Atlas Lions."
In the eighth minute, Ibrahim Diaz translated the national team's good performance into a beautiful goal, following a remarkable effort from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
The first half saw both Noussair Mazraoui and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli suffer injuries, awaiting the determination of the nature of the injuries and the players' chances of participating in the upcoming match against Brazil next Saturday.
In the second half, the Norwegian team pressed to score an equalizer, while the "Lions" relied on counterattacks that posed a threat to the opponent's goal.
In the 75th minute, Martin Ødegaard equalized for the "Vikings" after sustained pressure, with neither team able to add more goals, ending the match in a positive draw (1-1).
The draw for the World Cup finals placed the Moroccan national team in a strong group that includes Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, indicating a fierce competition for qualification to the next round.
The Moroccan national team will begin its journey in the 2026 World Cup with a strong match against Brazil on Saturday, June 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Morocco will face Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, and will conclude the group stage with a match against Haiti on June 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.