Get our expert Iraq vs Norway prediction, betting tips, and latest odds ahead of Tuesday's big World Cup clash. Read our full lineups and team news.
Iraq vs Norway Match Summary
Competition | World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Tuesday 16 June 2026 |
Match Time | 23:00 BST |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Foxborough, Boston Stadium |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | BBC 1, RTE 2 |
Iraq and Norway open their Group I campaigns at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night, with both sides returning to the World Cup after lengthy absences.
Iraq are back at the finals for the first time in 40 years, having qualified through a dramatic inter-confederation playoff victory over Bolivia earlier this year.
Norway end a 28-year wait, arriving with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard leading a squad that won all eight qualifiers.
With France and Senegal also in the group, this opener carries huge significance for both nations' hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Iraq vs Norway Form
Iraq's road to this tournament was a long one, covering 21 qualifying matches before their 2-1 playoff win over Bolivia sealed their spot. Aymen Hussein has been their standout performer, netting eight qualifying goals, while Ali Jasim offers creativity from wide areas. Recent pre-tournament friendlies produced a creditable draw against Spain, though a loss to Venezuela highlighted inconsistency.
Norway stormed through qualifying with a perfect record of eight wins from eight, rattling in 37 goals along the way. Erling Haaland was the engine of that run, scoring 17 times in nine international outings in 2025. Norway have won their last ten competitive fixtures, underlining the relentless momentum they carry into this tournament.
Iraq vs Norway Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Iraq: No injuries or suspensions reported.
Norway: No injuries or suspensions reported.
Iraq
Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who recently reached 100 caps, will start in goal. Ex-Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal features in the squad alongside Luton striker Ali Al-Hamadi. Aymen Hussein is expected to lead the line in a strike partnership with Al-Hamadi.
Norway
Erling Haaland will finally make his World Cup debut, supported by Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge and Kristoffer Ajer. Alexander Sorloth starts in attack, while Oscar Bobb and Jorgen Strand Larsen settle for the bench despite Larsen scoring twice in the warm-up win over Sweden.
Iraq vs Norway Predicted Lineup
Iraq
Formation: 4-1-3-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Basil; H. Ali, Z. Tahseen, A. Hashim, M. Doski; Z. Iqbal; M. Farji, A. A. Ammari, A. Jasim; A. Hussein, A. A. Hamadi
Norway
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Ø. Nyland; J. Ryerson, K. Ajer, T. Heggem, D. M. Wolfe; S. Berge, P. Berg, M. Ødegaard; A. Sørloth, E. Haaland, A. Nusa
Iraq vs Norway Key Stats & Match Facts
Norway are statistically favoured with a 71.57% win probability, with Iraq rated at just 7.09%.
Iraq have won five of their last ten fixtures but lost to both South Korea and Palestine in that run.
Norway averaged over three goals per match during their qualifying campaign, scoring 37 in eight games.
Norway's 11-1 demolition of Moldova in qualifying underlines the gulf in class they can impose on lower-ranked opposition.
These two nations have never previously met in a competitive fixture.
Iraq vs Norway Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Iraq 0-3 Norway. The Norwegians are a class above in every department and should have far too much firepower for an Iraq side who will struggle to contain Haaland and company. Norway's perfect qualifying record and ruthless goalscoring form point to a comfortable victory.
Best Bets
Norway to win & Over 2.5 Goals. Norway's win market price of 22/100 (10Bet) is far too short to tip on its own, but coupling it with Over 2.5 Goals at 8/13 (AK Bets) broadens the appeal of the selection. Norway have scored three or more in eight of their last ten outings and carry the firepower to see this one comfortably clear the line.
Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer. Haaland carries a 67.12% probability of finding the net in this fixture and has scored in each of his last ten international appearances. His scoring record at this level is exceptional and the probability supports the selection at the available price.
Iraq vs Norway Bet Builder
Our three-leg bet builder combines Erling Haaland to score anytime, Over 3.5 Total Away Goals and Norway to win, priced at 10/3 with Bet365.
Haaland has scored in each of his last ten international outings and carries a 67.12% probability of netting. He is the standout pick in this fixture.
Over 3.5 Away Goals is backed by Norway's devastating qualifying form, where they regularly put teams to the sword. This line has landed in four of their last four matches.
Norway to win rounds off the bet builder. They carry a 71% win probability and have been in relentless form throughout their qualifying campaign.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 10/3 and is as short as 2/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £13 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Iraq vs Norway Talking Points
The biggest storyline here is the sheer emotion surrounding both teams' returns. Iraq are playing in a World Cup for the first time since 1986, an occasion that carries enormous national pride and expectation. Their striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the goal that clinched qualification against Bolivia, has become a unifying figure for Iraqi football. On the other side, Norway have waited 28 years for this moment and arrive with arguably their most talented squad in history. Erling Haaland making his World Cup bow is a headline act in itself. The tactical battle could prove fascinating too. Iraq showed against Spain that they can be stubborn and organised, and they will need every ounce of that resilience to withstand Norway's direct, high-powered attack. Martin Odegaard pulling the strings behind Haaland gives Norway a creative edge that few sides in this tournament can match.
Iraq vs Norway Predictions FAQs
When is the Iraq vs Norway World Cup 2026 game?
The match between Iraq and Norway is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 23:00.
What is the best prediction for Iraq vs Norway?
While both teams will be eager to secure a positive result in this World Cup 2026 fixture, a close contest is expected. Check our full match analysis for the top betting tips and predictions.
Where can I find Iraq vs Norway lineups?
Confirmed lineups for both Iraq and Norway will be announced shortly before kick-off. You can find the predicted starting elevens and team news in our preview.
What are the best betting tips for Iraq vs Norway?
Our top betting tips focus on the match result and goals markets. Explore our complete bet builder picks and the latest odds to find the best value.
Disclaimer
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