Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Morocco-Norway, likely lineups

Morocco and Norway face off Sunday at 9 p.m. at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, for the last test match before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Both the North Africans and the Scandinavians have high hopes ahead of the World Cup, after the last few impressive and high-growth years. Morocco has not lost in 28 games, won the African Cup of Nations (albeit by forfeit) and the Arab Cup, and dominated its World Cup qualifying round while winning almost every friendly match it played.

Haaland and his teammates need no introduction: Norway dominated their own World Cup qualifying group while also overwhelming Italy; Haaland finished with 16 goals (all-time top scorer in the world) and aims to be a starter at the World Cup in North America as well.

Two possible outsiders then. Morocco, which will play in the group with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, fields El Kaabi in attack, on the flanks will be El Aynaoui and Ezzalzouli, and in midfield El Mourabet, Ounahi and Brahim Diaz. The condition of star Hakimi, who has been stationary since April due to a muscle problem, is to be checked.

In Norway, the presence of Haaland is confirmed, who will play alongside Sorloth. On the flanks will be Nusa and Bobb, in midfield Berge along with Aursnes. The Scandinavians will have to deal with a challenging group: the opponents will be France, Senegal and Iraq.

Morocco-Norway, the probable lineups
Morocco (4-5-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Aguerd, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, El Mourabet, Diaz, Ounahi, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi.
Norway (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Bobb, Berge, Aursnes, Nusa; Haaland, Sorloth.