Morocco completed their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Norway in New Jersey, extending their unbeaten run under coach Mohamed Ouahbi but raising fresh concerns over injuries ahead of a crucial opening match against Brazil.
The Atlas Lions looked on course for victory after an early strike from Brahim Diaz gave them the lead, only for Norway captain Martin Odegaard to rescue a draw in the closing stages.
While the result denied Morocco a fourth consecutive win, it ensured the North Africans head into the World Cup still unbeaten under Ouahbi, having recorded three victories and two draws since his appointment.
The match at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, brought together two nations regarded by many as potential surprise packages at the tournament.
Both coaches fielded strong starting line-ups, with Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Norway’s Odegaard returning to action just days after facing each other in the UEFA Champions League final for their respective clubs.
Norway also welcomed back record goalscorer Erling Haaland, who earned his 50th senior international cap. However, it was Morocco who controlled the early stages and dictated the tempo.
After an initial effort from Azzedine Ounahi was blocked, the breakthrough arrived in the eighth minute.
Abde Ezzalzouli found Diaz on the edge of the penalty area, and the attacking midfielder fired a low shot beyond goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to register his 14th international goal.
The early setback appeared to spark Norway into life. Defender Kristoffer Ajer came close with a header, while Alexander Sørloth thought he had levelled matters before his effort was ruled out following a foul on defender Noussair Mazraoui.
Morocco’s afternoon then took a worrying turn when Mazraoui was forced off with an injury shortly before the half-hour mark.
The versatile defender was replaced by Youssef Belammari, leaving the Moroccan coaching staff anxiously awaiting an assessment of his condition ahead of the tournament opener.
Despite the disruption, Morocco continued to threaten. Ezzalzouli missed a promising opportunity from close range late in the first half, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an important save to deny Antonio Nusa and preserve his side’s advantage.
There was another concern before the interval when Ezzalzouli required treatment and was subsequently replaced at half-time by Soufiane Rahimi.
The second half was more evenly balanced. Morocco were unable to reproduce the same intensity that characterised their opening 45 minutes, although Diaz nearly doubled the lead when his powerful effort was pushed away by Nyland.
The rebound fell to Neil El Aynoui, whose header drifted over the crossbar.
With one eye on the upcoming World Cup campaign, Ouahbi made seven substitutions shortly after the hour mark. The changes allowed fresh legs onto the pitch but also altered the rhythm that had helped Morocco dominate large portions of the contest.
Norway eventually took advantage. With 15 minutes remaining, substitute Oscar Bobb created space for Odegaard, who calmly found the net to score only his fifth international goal and bring the Scandinavian side level.
The equaliser shifted momentum and Norway nearly snatched victory when substitute Kristian Thorstvedt headed wide from a free-kick shortly after entering the match.
However, neither side could find a winner.
For Morocco, the draw represents a useful final test before attention turns to Group C. The Atlas Lions begin their World Cup campaign against Brazil in five days’ time before further group matches against Scotland and Haiti.
Although victory slipped away, there were encouraging signs for the 2022 semi-finalists.
Diaz continued his impressive form, the team remained unbeaten, and periods of their performance demonstrated why many believe Morocco can once again challenge the established powers of world football.
