By Angu Lesley
Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon
African champions Morocco will take on a star-studded Norway side today at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, in one of the headline fixtures of the final round of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions head into the tournament carrying the hopes of the continent after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals at the previous World Cup in Qatar. They now enter a new era under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who guided Morocco to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title last year.
Led by stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat and Brahim Diaz, Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, with their campaign beginning against the Brazilians before subsequent clashes with Scotland and Haiti.
Standing in their way today is a Norway side making its long-awaited return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Spearheaded by Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth, the Scandinavians are regarded as one of Europe’s dark horses heading into the tournament. Norway have been drawn in Group I, where they will face Iraq, Senegal and France in the group stage.
Elsewhere, fellow African representatives have also been completing their preparations for the Mundial. South Africa settled for a 1-1 draw against Jamaica, Egypt suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil, while Tunisia endured a heavy 5-0 loss to Belgium.
Several other African nations are also scheduled to be in action today and tomorrow as the continent’s representatives seek momentum ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
English 
French