Morocco World Cup hopes in doubt after Norway draw

Morocco’s final World Cup warm-up match has left the team with significant injury concerns just days before their tournament opener. In a 1-1 draw against Norway on Sunday, June 7, at a stadium in New Jersey, two key starters, defender Noussair Mazraoui and winger Abdessamad "Abde" Ezzalzouli, were forced off with injuries, casting doubt on their availability for the team's first match.

Mazraoui, a 28-year-old Manchester United full-back, left the pitch in the 29th minute with a shoulder injury. Ezzalzouli, 24, was substituted at halftime after sustaining a leg injury. Both players were scheduled for scans on Monday, June 8, to determine the severity of their conditions. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed his primary concern was the status of the injured players, despite being pleased with his team's performance against a strong opponent.

The injuries come at a critical time for Morocco, who are set to begin their World Cup campaign in Group C against five-time champions Brazil on Saturday, June 13, in New York. They will later face Scotland and Haiti in the group stage. The Atlas Lions are aiming to build on their historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,...