Morocco and Norway continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the two in-form nations meet in an international friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon. Both sides arrive in the United States carrying significant momentum after outstanding qualification campaigns and impressive recent performances on the international stage.
Morocco head into the contest protecting a remarkable unbeaten streak stretching back into 2025, with the Atlas Lions continuing to establish themselves as one of Africa’s strongest national teams. After becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar four years ago, Morocco have continued their rise under Mohamed Ouahbi, recently being retrospectively awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title by the African federation.
The Atlas Lions also cruised through qualification for the 2026 tournament, winning all eight matches in a group containing Niger, Tanzania and Congo while scoring 22 goals in the process. With difficult World Cup group fixtures against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti approaching, Morocco will view Sunday’s clash as a valuable test against elite European opposition.
Morocco national team X account has gone ahead to share video of their second US training session, highlighting energetic drills, laughter, and strong team bonding ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Footage captures Atlas Lions in red kits running hurdles, playful challenges, high-fives, and smiles during recovery-focused work at their New Jersey base camp in Pingry School.
Norway, meanwhile, are enjoying renewed optimism after ending their 28-year absence from the World Cup finals with a sensational UEFA qualifying campaign. Stale Solbakken’s side won eight consecutive matches, including emphatic victories over Italy, highlighted by a stunning 4-1 triumph at San Siro where Manchester City striker Erling Haaland starred once again.
Haaland finished European qualifying as the top scorer with 16 goals, while Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard continued to orchestrate play from midfield. Norway also impressed in recent friendlies, defeating Sweden 3-1 thanks to a Jorgen Strand Larsen brace. Landslaget now prepare for a challenging World Cup group featuring France, Senegal and Iraq.
Team News
Morocco may once again be without star defender Achraf Hakimi, who is carefully managing his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered during club duty with Paris Saint-Germain. Noussair Mazraoui is expected to continue at right-back, while Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi could return to the starting lineup.
Norway are likely to restore Erling Haaland to the attack after he was rested from the starting XI in the previous match. Alexander Sorloth is expected to partner him in attack, while Julian Ryerson and Martin Odegaard remain key creative figures.
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 predicts Morocco 2-2 Norway.
Both teams are carrying strong momentum into this encounter and possess dangerous attacking talent capable of producing an entertaining contest. Morocco’s organisation and experience on big occasions may balance Norway’s attacking firepower led by Haaland and Odegaard in what could be one of the standout World Cup warm-up fixtures.
