World Cup 2026: Morocco arrive in USA, set for Norway friendly before Brazil opener

Morocco’s national team have arrived safely in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with preparations now shifting into their final competitive phase before the global tournament kicks off across North America.

The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Norway in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 7, a key warm-up fixture designed to fine-tune the squad’s rhythm and tactical sharpness before the tournament begins in earnest.

Their World Cup campaign will officially get underway on June 13, when they open their group stage against Brazil.

Morocco travel to the tournament carrying growing expectations following their historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

That achievement reshaped perceptions of African football on the global stage and elevated Morocco into a new tier of international competitiveness.

Now, as they head into the expanded 2026 edition, the North African side are aiming to build on that legacy with another strong showing on football’s biggest stage.

The focus, according to team sources, remains on discipline, cohesion, and converting experience into consistency against elite opposition.

With a demanding opening fixture against five-time world champions Brazil looming, the friendly against Norway is expected to serve as a crucial test of readiness as Morocco look to balance ambition with the lessons of recent history.