Two potential dark horses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup collide in New Jersey as Morocco and Norway conclude their tournament preparations with a high-profile international friendly.

Morocco vs Norway Match Preview

Match News and Current Form

Morocco continue to build on their remarkable rise in international football after becoming the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2022. The Atlas Lions also lifted the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and now enter this clash unbeaten under new manager Mohamed Ouahbi (W3, D1).

The North Africans have won three consecutive matches heading into this fixture and climbed to seventh in the FIFA world rankings. Morocco’s defensive organisation remains one of their biggest strengths, with six of their last seven wins coming alongside clean sheets.

Norway, meanwhile, are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1998 after cruising through qualification with a perfect eight wins from eight matches. Ståle Solbakken’s side have been in exceptional form, losing just once in their last 15 games (W12, D2).

A 3-1 victory over Sweden in their previous friendly extended that impressive run, and notably, they achieved it without star striker Erling Haaland in the starting lineup. Norway’s attacking depth has become increasingly dangerous, making them one of Europe’s most exciting outsiders heading into the tournament.

Head-to-Head Record

The only previous meeting between these nations came during the 1998 FIFA World Cup group stage, ending in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Hot Stats and Trends

• Six of Morocco’s last seven wins featured a clean sheet.
• Four of Morocco’s last six games were goalless at half-time.
• Four of Norway’s last five matches produced over 2.5 goals.
• Five of Norway’s last six fixtures saw both teams score.
• Norway have lost only once in their last 15 matches.

Key Players to Watch

Morocco – Ismael Saibari

The PSV star continues to impress internationally and recently scored a first-half brace against Madagascar. Five of his last six goals for Morocco came before half-time.

Norway – Jørgen Strand Larsen

The Norwegian striker scored twice against Sweden and has now avoided defeat in four of his five international goalscoring appearances.

Team News

Morocco could still be without several key names including Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Chemsdine Talbi and Zakaria El Ouahdi after they missed the previous friendly.

Norway head into the match with very few injury concerns and should have a near full-strength squad available.

Morocco vs Norway Betting Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals

Both nations have shown strong attacking form recently, while Norway’s games especially have been producing high-scoring outcomes consistently.

Over 2.5 Goals

Norway’s aggressive attacking style and Morocco’s technical quality should create an open contest with multiple scoring opportunities.

Both Teams To Score – YES

Norway have seen BTTS land in five of their last six games, while Morocco possess enough attacking quality to break down almost any defence.

Correct Score Prediction

Morocco 2-2 Norway

This has all the ingredients of an entertaining end-to-end encounter between two confident teams preparing for the World Cup.

Final Prediction

Both Teams To Score – YES

Over 2.5 Goals

Correct Score: Morocco 2-2 Norway

Both sides possess dangerous attacking options and strong momentum heading into the World Cup, making an entertaining draw a likely outcome in New Jersey.