Preview: Iraq vs Norway prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Star-studded Norwegian outfit eye big win over Lions of Mesopotamia in Group of Death opener

Perched on the elevated, forested terrain of Norfolk County, the Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough, USA, gears up to host the opening match week fixture of Group I in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where European heavyweights Norway take on Iraq in what is set to be a thrilling encounter.

Iraq are back in the FIFA World Cup after a long wait of nearly four decades. The last time they played the World Cup was back in 1986 in Mexico, and they finished at the bottom of the group after succumbing to defeats to Belgium, Paraguay and Mexico.

They are led by Australian gaffer Graham Arnold, who has previously led Central Coast Mariners and the Australia national team.

They just scored one goal in FIFA World Cup back in 1986 when Ahmed Radhi pulled one back for Iraq after being two goals behind Belgium.

Norway are also making a return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years. The last time they played the World Cup back in 1998, they went on to defeat the peak Brazil team 2-1 and finished the group stages unbeaten after drawing games against Morocco and Scotland.

They are led by Norwegian gaffer Ståle Solbakken, who will be keen to cause some big upsets in the Group of Death consisting of France, Senegal and Iraq.

First WC loading! 🇳🇴💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/vLpjgNwC9K

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) June 2, 2026

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Kick-off:

• Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
• Stadium: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
• Date: Tuesday, June 16
• Kick-off time: 11 p.m. BST [3:30 a.m. IST, Wednesday, June 17 / 6 p.m. local EDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Iraq (in all competitions): L-W-W-D-L

Norway (in all competitions): W-L-D-W-D

Players to Watch

Ali Al Hamadi (Iraq)

From fleeing Iraq when he was just one during war to Liverpool to carrying the hopes of a billion Iraqis in the FIFA World Cup, Al Hamadi has come a long way. He was part of the Ipswich Town team that went on to secure a historic promotion to the English Premier League.

He served two loan spells at Stoke City and Luton Town. Unlike many other Iraqi players, he has that European pedigree and will be raring to score Iran’s second goal in World Cup history.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Arguably the greatest striker in world football and one of the major contenders to win the Golden Boot in FIFA World Cup 2026, Erling Haaland will play his first ever World Cup game against Iraq and will be keen to make it memorable.

An 18-year-old Erling Haaland made global headlines by scoring an astonishing 9 goals in a single match during the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. From scoring goals for fun to leading the country’s attacking lineup, Erling Haaland is set to play a big role in Norway’s World Cup campaign.

The Manchester City striker is in terrific form and his physicality coupled with his acceleration makes him very difficult to contain. It will be a nightmare for Iraqi defenders to keep Haaland quiet in his World Cup debut.

Match Facts

• These two sides are set to meet each other for the first time.
• Norway finished atop their UEFA World Cup Qualifier leaving Italy behind.
• Iraq are making a return to FIFA World Cup after four decades.

Iraq vs Norway: Betting Tips and Odds

• Norway to win the game – 1/5 with Betfred
• Erling Haaland to score – 2/5 with Betfred
• Iraq 0-3 Norway – 6/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Iraq World Cup squad

Iraq have no injury concerns. Captain Jalal Hassan, who plays for Al Zawraa will be making his 103rd appearance. All eyes will be on players like Zidane Iqbal and Al Hamadi, who have an European pedigree.

Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib (Al-Talaba), Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa), Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta).

Defenders: Hussein Ali (Pogon Szczecin), Manaf Younis, Ahmed Yahya, Mustafa Saadoon (Al-Shorta), Zaid Tahseen (Pakhtakor), Rebin Sulaka (Port), Akam Hashim (Al-Zawraa), Merchas Doski (Viktoria Plzen), Zaid Ismail (Al-Talaba), Frans Putros (Persib).

Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia), Kevin Yakob (Aarhus GF), Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht), Aimar Sher (Sarpsborg), Ibrahim Bayesh (Al-Dhafra), Ahmed Qasem (Nashville SC), Youssef Amyn (AEK Larnaca), Marko Farji (Venezia).

Forwards: Ali Jassim (Al-Najma), Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich), Ali Yousef (Al-Talaba), Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma), Mohanad Ali (Dibba).

Norway World Cup squad

There are no injury concerns for Norway. Their attacking and midfield lineup looks deadly with some of the top players in the world like Odegaard and Haaland, donning the Norway jersey.

Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik

Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, Sondre Langås, Henrik Falchener, Torbjorn Heggem, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Julian Ryerson, Leo Skiri Ostigard, David Moller Wolfe

Midfielders: Thelo Aasgaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Fredrik Aursnes, Oscar Bobb, Morten Thorsby, Kristian Thorstvedt, Martin Odegaard

Forwards: Antonio Nusa, Jens Petter Hauge, Andreas Schjelderup, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, Jorgen Strand Larsen

Head-to-Head

These two sides are set to meet each other for the first time.

Predicted Lineups

Iraq predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Jalal Hassan (GK); Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Merchas Doski; Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal; Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim, Ali Al-Hamadi; Aymen Hussein.

Norway predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Ørjan Nyland (GK); Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes; Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.

Match Prediction

Both sides are returning to the World Cup and will be keen to impress. Given Norway’s recent form and their depth in the squad, it is highly likely that this will be a one sided game with the Norwegians emerging victorious against Iraq.

Prediction: Iraq 0-3 Norway

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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