International Match: Morocco Defeats Norway Thanks to Brahim’s Goal. Morocco secured a victory over Norway in a friendly match in New York. The only goal was scored by Brahim Diaz after a combination with Abde Ezzalzouli. The match was a significant part of their preparations for the World Cup.
A friendly match between the national teams of Morocco and Norway took place at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New York, marking a key stage in both teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The Moroccan team, backed by numerous supporters in the stands, showcased confident attacking play and secured a narrow 1–0 victory.
The only goal of the match was scored by Brahim Diaz, finishing off a quick combination involving Abde Ezzalzouli. This episode proved decisive: despite Norway's attempts to change the course of the game, Morocco’s defense and goalkeeper Bono prevented their opponents from scoring. Norway fielded top forwards Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, but their efforts failed to yield results.
The match generated significant interest among fans, especially ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Morocco is preparing to compete in Group C, where its opponents will be Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Norway will play in Group I against France, Senegal, and Iraq. For both teams, the meeting in New York was an opportunity to test their lineup and tactics in a highly competitive setting.
Morocco’s victory is seen as a continuation of its successful run in recent major tournaments. The team aims to match or surpass its achievement of reaching the semifinals at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The Norwegian team, led by Ståle Solbakken, hopes to become one of the sensations of the upcoming tournament, despite this defeat.
Attention to friendly matches before the World Cup is traditionally high, as they provide an opportunity to assess the teams' readiness and identify weaknesses. Similar interest was sparked by other recent football events, such as the dramatic elimination of Zaragoza from professional football, which was previously reported in the article about the club's fate after the match with Málaga.
For reference: the 2026 World Cup will, for the first time, be held across three countries — the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 teams, increasing competition and expanding opportunities for national squads. Morocco and Norway continue their preparations, focusing on teamwork and the individual skills of their leaders.
