Erling Haaland's Morocco Showing Has Norway Sweating Before the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just days away, and now Norway might legitimately have something to be worried about.
Norway had an international friendly against Morocco at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on Sunday as both teams prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Morocco jumped out to an early lead with Brahim Díaz slotting home in the eighth minute, but Martin Ødegaard’s second-half strike cancelled it out as Norway drew 1-1 with the Atlas Lions.
On paper, a draw against one of the World Cup’s dark horses isn’t a disaster. But the result buried the lede.
The real story wasn’t the scoreline. It was the man who was supposed to dominate it.
Erling Haaland. Four touches. Seventy-five minutes. That’s it.
Haaland’s four-touch showing in 75 minutes is the fewest he’s registered in a start for club and country since 2019, a stat that would be alarming for literally any striker on the planet, let alone the most dangerous forward alive.
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Now, before panic sets in, it’s worth noting the conditions Norway has been dealing with.
Greensboro, North Carolina, where Norway has been practicing for the World Cup, hit 90 degrees on Friday, temperatures that Norway almost never sees.
Haaland was seen slumped on a Powerade cooler, drenched in sweat, while teammates lay spread-eagle on the grass, a Scandinavian squad visibly humbled by the American heat.
New Jersey wasn’t much cooler Sunday afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 85 degrees.
So should Norway fans panic? Not yet, but they’re right to pay attention.
Group I consists of France, Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, with the tournament kicking off on June 11.
Norway’s path is actually manageable. Iraq looks like a must-win opener, Senegal is beatable, and France is the favorite.
But the heat could change all of that.
FIFA has already mandated water breaks during games in response to heat stress concerns.
FIFPRO, the global union for professional footballers, has gone further, recommending that play be postponed if conditions become dangerous.
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Haaland ended the World Cup qualifying campaign with 16 goals, scoring in all eight of Norway’s matches. So, Sunday could easily be a one-off.
He’s also a man who scored 27 goals and eight assists in 34 Premier League games this season alone.
But just four touches with the World Cup four days away isn’t nothing either.
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 8:58 PM.