7M - International Friendlies Preview: Morocco vs Norway - prediction, team news, lineups

As part of their final preparations for the World Cup in the United States, Morocco and Norway are set to lock horns at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon for a compelling international friendly.

The Atlas Lions put their lengthy unbeaten streak on the line, while Landslaget cross the Atlantic brimming with self-belief after a highly impressive European qualification journey.

Match preview

Four years after capturing global attention by beating Spain and Portugal to become Africa's first-ever World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco remain a formidable force. Following a retrospective decision by the African federation to award them the Africa Cup of Nations crown in March, Mohamed Ouahbi's team technically boasts a 27-match unbeaten streak stretching back to an African Nations Championship loss against Kenya in August 2025.

In addition to securing their first continental silverware in 50 years, the Atlas Lions cruised through a flawless World Cup qualification campaign, winning eight matches in a row. Placed in Group E alongside Niger, Tanzania, and Congo, Morocco easily sealed their spot at their seventh finals, netting 22 goals in the process. However, tougher challenges loom large in North America, where they share Group C with footballing heavyweights Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

Norway, on the other hand, enter the tournament looking like a rising international powerhouse capable of living up to high expectations. Stale Solbakken's men emphatically brought their 28-year absence from the World Cup finals to an end by winning eight successive qualifiers in UEFA, which included spectacular 3-0 and 4-1 victories over Italy.

Erling Haaland spearheaded that qualification run, leading all European goalscorers with 16 goals, heavily fed by creative maestro Martin Odegaard. During this current international window, Norway have tested themselves against World Cup-bound opposition, including Switzerland and a recent 3-1 triumph over Graham Potter's Sweden, where Jorgen Strand Larsen scored a double. Returning to the finals for the first time this century, Norway face an incredibly difficult Group D draw alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq.

Team News

Morocco may take a cautious approach with superstar right-back Achraf Hakimi, who is easing his way back from a hamstring issue sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in April. Consequently, Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui, who started in the recent 4-0 thrashing of Madagascar, could fill in on the right flank once more. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi are pushing for their first starts of this window after being left out of the lineup last time out.

For Norway, right-back Julian Ryerson is in fine creative form, having registered two assists during the victory against Sweden on June 1. Up front, despite Strand Larsen making a strong impression with his brace, Erling Haaland is expected to reclaim his spot leading the line alongside Alexander Sorloth. Additionally, Jens Petter Hauge is looking to earn minutes following a standout campaign with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

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

Prediction: Morocco 1-1 Norway

With both sides viewed as potential dark horses for the upcoming World Cup, there will likely be plenty of mutual respect on display in New Jersey. As both teams continue to adjust to the demanding climate and environmental conditions of North America, a hard-fought, low-key draw is the anticipated outcome before the tournament kicks off in earnest.