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Casablanca — Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team is ready for the challenge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Norway in New Jersey, the Atlas Lions’ final test before facing Brazil on June 13.
The National team got off to the perfect start when Brahim Diaz scored the game’s first goal after just seven minutes. But Martin Odegaard equalized for Norway in the 75th minute.
After the game, Ouahbi said Morocco had prepared well and expressed confidence in the group he will take into the tournament.
“Morocco has shown over the years, across different age categories, that it can compete at the highest level,” he told Arryadia. “We prepared well for this challenge, and I believe this group can achieve great things.”
The coach said frequent changes during the game disrupted the team’s rhythm at times, though he felt there were many positive takes from the performance. He also acknowledged that some aspects still need work before Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match.
Read also: Injury Concerns Hit Morocco Days Before World Cup Clash With Brazil
Ouahbi revealed that Norway was deliberately chosen as the final opponent before the World Cup because of the level of difficulty the team presents.
“We chose Norway to play a match of this caliber, against a team with strong technical and athletic qualities,” he said during the post-game conference.
According to the Moroccan coach, facing a physically strong side such as Norway offered an opportunity to measure the team’s level a few days before the start of the tournament and gave the technical staff a clearer picture of what still needs attention.
The match was not without setbacks, as Abde Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui both left the field with injuries. Ouahbi said Mazraoui should be available for the Brazil match, while Ezzalzouli is awaiting further medical assessment. He also said defender Nayef Aguerd is continuing his recovery, stressing that the priority is for him to regain full fitness rather than rushing his return.
Brazil, Morocco’s first opponent at the tournament, wrapped up its preparations with a 2-1 victory over Egypt in Cleveland.
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