Norway starting lineup vs Iraq confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Landslaget face Iraq in their World Cup opener tonight in Foxborough.
Norway begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a tricky Group I clash against Iraq at Gillette Stadium on June 15. The Scandinavian side sailed through a tough qualification group and will now look to make an impact in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Stale Solbakken’s men had a flawless UEFA qualifying campaign to book their place in the expanded 48-team tournament in North America. However, they have had mixed results since. A 2-1 loss to the Netherlands was followed by back-to-back draws against Morocco and Switzerland, before a 3-1 victory over Sweden.
Drawn into a competitive group that also includes Senegal and France, the Landslaget will look to clinch all three points when taking on an Iraqi side that sits 26 spots below them in the FIFA men’s rankings.
Also Read: Iraq vs Norway: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the Norway confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Iraq:
Norway (4-3-3): Orjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard (c), Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes; Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.
Substitutes: Egil Selvik (gk), Sander Tangvik (gk), Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, Henrik Falchener, Leo Ostigard, Sondre Klingen Langas, Kristian Thorstvedt, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Morten Thorsby, Patrick Berg, Thelo Aasgaard, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Oscar Bobb.
Thoughts on the lineup
With 38 goals across all competitions last season, Erling Haaland leads the line for his national team. Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth is moved to the right flank, with RB Leipzig’s young sensation Antonio Nusa starting on the left. The latter has been a revelation on the wings for club and country, with five goal contributions in his last nine international appearances.
Behind this star-studded attack will be captain Martin Odegaard, who is joined by Fulham destroyer Sander Berge and Benfica’s Fredrik Aursnes.
The three-man midfield will shield a defence containing the veteran Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjorn Heggem. Borussia Dortmund left-back Julian Ryerson and Wolves wing-back David Moller Wolfe start in the full-back positions. Sevilla’s veteran goalkeeper Orjan Nyland starts between the sticks.
When is Norway vs Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group I clash is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. In India, the match will kick off at 3:30 AM IST on June 17.
Where to watch Norway vs Iraq match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.