Iraq and Norway will meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday evening, as both nations begin their 2026 World Cup campaigns in Group I.
Iraq returns to the World Cup stage for the first time in 40 years, and they wish to produce one of the early shocks of the tournament, while Norway arrives with Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and serious expectations after a dominant qualifying campaign.
Verdict: Norway to win and over 2.5 goals
Best odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 1xBet
Iraq
Iraq entered the tournament after a big accomplishment in the qualifiers. This is their first World Cup appearance since 1986, and Graham Arnold’s squad will know how much this moment means for football back home.
The Lions of Mesopotamia had a long and difficult route to the finals, but they came through it with resilience. Arnold has built his approach around discipline, organization, and belief, which will be essential in a group that also contains France and Senegal.
This opener is difficult, but it is also important. Iraq will know that a heavy defeat would immediately put them under pressure, so they are likely to approach the match with a compact structure and try to frustrate Norway for as long as possible.
In the attack, they will rely on Aymen Hussein. Iraq is unlikely to dominate possession, but if they can win set pieces, force second balls, and pass the ball to Hussein, they may have a route to troubling Norway’s back line.
Iraq Team News
Graham Arnold is expected to rely on a disciplined defensive structure against Norway, with Iraq likely to spend long spells without the ball.
Aymen Hussein should lead the attack and will be one of Iraq’s most important players. His physical presence gives them an outlet when they are forced deep, and he can also be dangerous from crosses and set pieces.
In midfield, Iraq will need energy, concentration, and strong defensive positioning. Their main task will be to close the central spaces around Martin Odegaard and stop Norway from feeding Erling Haaland too easily.
The back line will face the hardest job of the evening. Iraq must deal with Haaland’s movement inside the box, Norway’s wide runners, and Odegaard’s passing range, so any lapses in concentration could be punished quickly.
Norway
Norway enters this World Cup with its strongest squad in many years. This is their first appearance at the tournament since 1998, and the level of expectation is very different from previous generations.
Stale Solbakken’s side were excellent in qualifying, winning all eight matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five. That record shows why Norway is being treated as a serious team rather than just a side built around two stars.
Still, the two stars matter. Haaland gives Norway one of the best finishers in world football, while Odegaard gives them control, imagination, and leadership in midfield. If those two connect regularly, Iraq could have a very difficult evening.
Norway also has quality around it. Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Alexander Sorloth, and Thelo Aasgaard give Solbakken different attacking profiles, and that depth should help Norway maintain pressure even if Iraq starts the match with a deep defensive block.
Norway Team News
Martin Odegaard has dismissed fitness concerns and is ready for the opener. His availability is a major boost for Norway, because he remains the player who links midfield with attack and controls the rhythm of their possession.
Erling Haaland is also fit and expected to lead the line. Solbakken has spoken positively about his condition, and this match gives Haaland the chance to open his World Cup account after a brilliant qualifying campaign.
Norway’s attacking group also includes Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Alexander Sorloth, and Thelo Aasgaard. That gives Solbakken pace, width, and penalty-box presence beyond Haaland alone.
Defensively, Norway will need to stay alert against direct balls and set pieces. Iraq may not create many chances from open play, but they can still be awkward if Norway gives away unnecessary free kicks or loses concentration during defensive transitions.
Iraq vs Norway Key Factors to Consider
- Iraq is playing at the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
- Norway is playing its first World Cup match since 1998.
- Norway won all eight matches in qualifying, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five.
- Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in Norway’s qualifying campaign.
- Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland are both fit for Norway’s Group I opener.
Conclusion
Iraq will bring emotion, discipline, and a strong sense of national pride into this match. Arnold’s side should be well organized, and they will try to make the game as uncomfortable as possible for Norway.
However, Norway has too much attacking quality to ignore. Haaland is the obvious danger, but Odegaard’s creativity and the pace around them should give Solbakken’s side several ways to break Iraq down.
This may not be easy from the first whistle, especially if Iraq defends deep and slows the game down. Still, Norway has the stronger squad, better recent competitive form, and more match-winners in decisive areas. They should start their World Cup campaign with a win.
Verdict: Norway to win and over 2.5 goals
Best odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 1xBet
