Morocco's Preparation for the World Cup
The Moroccan national football team faced off against Norway in a friendly match that ended in a 1-1 draw, taking place at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on June 8, 2026. This encounter served as the final test for both teams before they embark on their journeys in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The match was particularly significant for Morocco as they are set to play their opening game against Brazil on June 14, 2026, in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti.
Morocco's 'Atlas Lions' made an impressive start by scoring early in the eighth minute, thanks to a precise shot from Ibrahim Diaz, who capitalized on a swift counter-attack and a crucial assist from Abdel-Samad Al-Zalzouli. Following this, Norway attempted to respond quickly to equalize, but Morocco maintained control over the match, with Al-Zalzouli missing a golden opportunity to extend the lead in the 38th minute, which could have sealed the outcome before halftime.
Match Highlights and Injury Concerns
Norway eventually found their footing and equalized in the 75th minute when their captain, Martin Ødegaard, found the back of the net with a powerful left-footed shot from close range, following a short cross from Oscar Bob, exploiting a defensive lapse from Morocco. The match was not without its challenges as Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui suffered a thigh injury and was substituted in the 29th minute. Despite his attempts to continue playing, he was unable to withstand the pain. Similarly, concerns grew for Al-Zalzouli when he fell to the ground just before the end of the first half, raising alarms among Moroccan supporters regarding the potential severity of his injury, which might affect his availability for the World Cup matches.
As Morocco prepares to face Brazil in their World Cup opener, they are determined to build on this performance. Meanwhile, Norway will take on France in their first match, which is part of Group A that also includes Iraq and Senegal. The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a historic moment as it will feature 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
As reported by alaraby.com.
