Morocco vs Norway predictions and betting tips – World Cup dark horses meet

Morocco were the surprise package at World Cup 2022, when they reached the semi-finals after eliminating Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase. They are aiming to surprise one or two people this summer as well.

Norway are more widely fancied this time around, with the bookies placing them among their top 10 favourites to win the tournament. Who will triumph in this friendly?

• Draw – 23/10 with BoyleSports
• Both teams to score – 4/6 with BetVictor
• Erling Haaland to score any time – 10/11 with bet365

Morocco vs Norway head to head overview

• Date: Sunday 7th June.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, New Jersey, USA.
• Where to watch: ITV4 and ITVX.
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: TBC.
• Last meeting: 10th June 1998; Morocco 2-2 Norway.
• Favourite to win: Norway.

Morocco vs Norway predicted lineups

• Morocco expected lineup: Munir; Mazraoui, Diop, Riad, Salah-Eddine; Bouaddi, Amrabat; Diaz, Ounahi, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi. 
• Norway expected lineup: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Bobb, Berge, Odegaard, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland.

Morocco vs Norway predictions

Morocco made history at the World Cup four years ago, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

It was a magnificent achievement by the Atlas Lions, who won their group before beating Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase.

Morocco showed in Qatar that they are capable of making a major impact at this level, but it will be harder to do so this time.

No one will underestimate Morocco after their accomplishments in 2022. And having been drawn in a group with Brazil (plus Scotland and Curacao), they will struggle to advance in first place.

It has been an eventful few months for Morocco. They reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil earlier this year, but Senegal ran out 1-0 winners on the field.

However, the Confederation of African Football later awarded the game and the trophy to Morocco as punishment for Senegal’s players leaving the field in protest after the hosts were given a late penalty.

That was not enough to save Walid Regragui, who has been replaced as manager by Mohamed Ouahbi ahead of the World Cup.

Norway will draw inspiration from Morocco’s run to the last four in 2022 as they seek to upset the apple cart this summer.

This is their first appearance at the World Cup in the 21st century, but Norway do not intend to merely make up the numbers in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

Having won all eight qualifiers and risen 19 places in the FIFA World Rankings in the last two years, Stale Solbakken’s side are dark horses for the tournament.

Morocco vs Norway betting tips

Morocco face Norway as both teams continue their preparations for World Cup 2026.

No separating two sides?

Morocco did not sack Regragui because of results, but rather because of his style of play. 

He guided his country to a fourth-place finish in Qatar by playing defence-minded, counter-attacking football, an approach from which Morocco have since sought to evolve.

Ouahbi has not had long to implement that change, and it will be interesting to see what sort of game plan he comes up with in this clash with Norway.

This is likely to be a close encounter between two good teams. If the score is level heading into the closing stages, neither side is likely to push too hard for a winner.

Back a draw at 23/10 with BoyleSports

No zeroes on scoreboard

Norway scored 37 goals in their eight World Cup qualifiers, which was eight more than any other European nation.

Needless to say, they will struggle to average 4.63 goals per 90 minutes at the tournament itself, but a group of players that includes Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard is unlikely to draw too many blanks.

Morocco will back themselves to score in this friendly too. They looked sharp in a 4-0 victory over Madagascar last time out. Although Norway will provide a stiffer test, the Atlas Lions have sufficient quality in forward areas to give their opponents plenty to think about.

Neither goalkeeper is likely to keep a clean sheet at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Tip both teams to score at 4/6 with BetVictor

Haaland back among goals

We are no longer surprised when we hear about Haaland’s extraordinary goalscoring feats, but a tally of 55 goals in 49 caps is remarkable even for him.

Haaland did not feature against Sweden earlier this week, instead watching the all-Scandinavian showdown from the stands. But he is expected to be heavily involved on Sunday as Norway step up their World Cup preparations.

Haaland struck 16 times in eight qualifiers for Norway and he will be chomping at the bit to feature in his first international tournament for his country.

Before then, Haaland will cause the Morocco defence problems this weekend.

Go for Erling Haaland to score any time at 10/11 with bet365

Morocco vs Norway latest odds

Find the latest Morocco vs Norway betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More international friendly predictions

We have plenty more international friendly predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Morocco and Norway for betting

This is only the second ever meeting between Morocco and Norway, with the first taking place at World Cup 1998. Norway have scored in all but one of their last 18 matches. Morocco’s last defeat at senior level came at the hands of South Africa in January 2024.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.