Morocco and Norway shared the spoils in a high-quality World Cup warm-up match on Sunday, with Brahim Díaz’s early strike cancelled out by a second-half equaliser from Martin Ødegaard in a 1-1 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.
The friendly brought together two of the most intriguing teams heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and offered both coaches valuable insights just days before the tournament begins in North America.
Morocco made the brighter start and took the lead after only eight minutes when Brahim Díaz found the net to continue his outstanding form for the Atlas Lions. The Real Madrid playmaker finished off a well-worked move after an assist from Abde Ezzalzouli, giving the North Africans an early advantage against a Norway side featuring stars such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth.
The goal further strengthened Díaz’s growing reputation as one of Morocco’s most influential attacking players. With 14 goals in his first 26 appearances for the national team, he now stands level with Hakim Ziyech over the same span and trails only Salaheddine Bassir among Moroccan players in that category. Those numbers underline the impact he has made since committing his international future to Morocco.
Norway gradually settled into the contest and produced a stronger second-half display. Their persistence was rewarded in the 75th minute when captain Martin Ødegaard delivered a moment of quality to bring the Scandinavian side level. The Arsenal midfielder found space outside the penalty area before producing a composed finish that beat Yassine Bounou and restored parity.
The draw ensured neither side gained a decisive edge, but both teams demonstrated qualities that could make them dangerous opponents at the World Cup. Morocco’s defensive organisation and attacking transitions once again impressed, while Norway showed resilience and attacking depth as they fought back through their captain’s leadership.
The result was not entirely positive for Morocco, however. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was left sweating over the fitness of key players Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, both of whom were forced off after picking up knocks during the match. With Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil fast approaching, medical assessments in the coming days will be closely monitored.
For Morocco, the draw continues a lengthy unbeaten run and reinforces why the Atlas Lions remain one of the highest-ranked teams in world football heading into the tournament. After becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, expectations remain high for another deep run this summer.
Norway, meanwhile, will take encouragement from matching one of Africa’s strongest sides. Led by Haaland and Ødegaard, the Norwegians are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and continue to build confidence ahead of group-stage meetings with Iraq, Senegal and France.
While the scoreboard ended level, both nations departed New Jersey believing they possess the quality to make a significant impact when the World Cup gets underway.
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