Morocco edge Paraguay in World Cup warm up match
The Bollaert-Delelis Stadium in Lens, France, became the stage for a spirited encounter between Morocco and Paraguay. Though billed as a friendly, the match carried the intensity of a competitive fixture, with both sides eager to shape up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first half was a cagey affair. Morocco controlled possession, probing Paraguay’s defense with patient build-up play, while Paraguay relied on quick counters. Yet neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, leaving the crowd restless but expectant.
The second half, however, erupted into life. Just three minutes after the restart, Morocco’s young star Bilal El Khannouss seized the moment. A clever exchange in the box opened space, and El Khannouss rifled a shot from a cross past the Paraguayan keeper in the 48th minute. The Moroccan bench leapt in celebration, sensing momentum had shifted.
Barely five minutes later, Morocco doubled their advantage. Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, slotted home with composure in similar fashion finishing off a cutback. At 2–0, Morocco looked in full control, their fluid passing and pressing suffocating Paraguay’s attempts to respond.
Yet Paraguay refused to fold. In the dying minutes, substitute Gustavo Caballero found a breakthrough inn the 88th minute, cutting the deficit to 2–1. The goal injected late drama, but Morocco held firm through the final whistle.
