Iraq and Norway begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in a crucial Group I encounter that could heavily shape the battle for qualification alongside France and Senegal.

While Iraq arrive after one of the most demanding qualification journeys of any nation at the tournament, Norway return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 carrying enormous expectations thanks to one of Europe’s most exciting squads.

With both teams lacking recent World Cup experience, this opening fixture could become a tense tactical contest where small details decide the outcome.

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Iraq vs Norway Match Details

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Stage: Group I
• Date: 16 June 2026
• Kick-Off Time: 11:00 PM (WAT)
• Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

Iraq vs Norway Preview

Iraq finally return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986 after navigating a brutal qualification campaign that required 21 matches, more than any other nation at the tournament. Their path to qualification has already become one of the stories of FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Lions of Mesopotamia endured difficult travel conditions, playoff drama, and intense pressure before eventually securing the final qualification place for the tournament.

Recent performances have been mixed for Graham Arnold’s side. Iraq recorded a respectable draw against Spain during preparations but ended their warm-up schedule with a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Venezuela on American soil.

Off-field controversy also complicated preparations after star striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly detained by US border authorities before joining the squad.

Despite those setbacks, Iraq remain a disciplined and difficult side to break down. Their matches have generally been low-scoring, with none of their last six internationals producing a goal after the 55th minute.

Norway, meanwhile, enter FIFA World Cup 2026 with arguably their strongest generation in decades. Under Ståle Solbakken, the Scandinavians qualified with a perfect record while producing some of the most dominant attacking performances in Europe.

Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, Norway scored 37 goals during qualification and arrive in North America with serious ambitions of progressing deep into the tournament.

However, Norway’s recent momentum has slowed slightly after winning only one of their last four matches. Their final warm-up game ended in a 1-1 draw against Morocco after Martin Ødegaard rescued a late equaliser.

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Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between Iraq and Norway.

Norway have never previously faced an AFC nation at the FIFA World Cup.

Team News

Iraq Team News

Iraq reported no fresh injuries following their recent warm-up fixtures.

Star striker Aymen Hussein remains available despite recent travel-related controversy before the tournament.

Ahmed Hassan Makenzie was previously called into the squad after Ahmed Yahya suffered a hamstring injury before the tournament.

Norway Team News

Norway also appear to have a fully fit squad available heading into this Group I opener.

Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland are both expected to start as Norway target an important opening victory.

Key Players to Watch

Iraq – Aymen Hussein

No player in Iraq’s squad has scored more international goals than Aymen Hussein. The experienced striker has 33 goals for his country and opened the scoring in four of his last six goalscoring appearances.

Norway – Martin Ødegaard

Fresh from helping Arsenal win the Premier League, Martin Ødegaard remains Norway’s creative heartbeat. The midfielder scored Norway’s equaliser against Morocco and also registered seven assists during qualification.

Key Stats and Trends

• Iraq played 21 qualification matches before reaching FIFA World Cup 2026.
• None of Iraq’s last six internationals produced a goal after the 55th minute.
• Norway qualified with a perfect record in Europe.
• Six of Norway’s last seven matches saw both teams score.
• Norway scored 37 goals during qualification.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Main Betting Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
• Alternative Betting Tip: Norway to Win
• Both Teams to Score: No
• Correct Score Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway
• Anytime Goalscorer: Erling Haaland

Iraq’s disciplined defensive approach and lack of attacking explosiveness could make this a relatively cautious encounter. Norway possess far greater attacking quality, but opening-game nerves may prevent this from becoming a high-scoring contest.

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Iraq vs Norway Prediction

This could prove to be one of the more tactical and physical battles of the opening round. Iraq are expected to remain compact defensively and attempt to frustrate Norway for long periods.

However, Norway’s superior attacking talent, creativity in midfield, and finishing ability through Erling Haaland should eventually make the difference.

Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway