Morocco to Face Norway in World Cup Warm-Up as Atlas Lions Bet on Youth

Morocco will face Norway in a World Cup warm-up friendly on June 7 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, as the Atlas Lions fine-tune their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match comes under the leadership of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui in March. Ouahbi previously led Morocco's under-20 team to a Youth World Cup title and has brought a significant youth injection to the senior squad.

A Young Squad

Morocco's current squad has an average age of 25.2 years — among the youngest of any World Cup team. Recent friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay prioritized younger players as part of an ongoing squad renewal.

By choosing New Jersey for the Norway friendly, Morocco is giving itself an early opportunity to acclimate to North American conditions ahead of the tournament.

Morocco drew Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Their 2022 World Cup run to the semi-finals in Qatar — a first for an African team — set expectations sky-high for 2026.