Norway will take on Iraq in a Group I clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Norway finally qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 riding on impressive performance from an exciting group of players. The European side will feature in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Led by stars like Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and Oscar Bobb, Norway cruised through the World Cup qualifiers, winning all eight of their matches and finishing ahead of strong teams such as Italy and Israel.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s journey to the tournament was very difficult as they played an incredible 21 matches during the qualification process before finally securing their spot with a 2-1 playoff victory over Bolivia in Mexico. Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Iraq knows matches against teams like Norway will be much tougher.
Iraq vs Norway: Head-to-Head
Iraq and Norway will lock horns against each other for the first time in senior international football during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I campaign opener. With no previous meetings between the two nations, this match offers a fresh chapter in World Cup history.
Both teams also have relatively limited experience on football’s biggest stage. The last time Iraq appeared in the FIFA World Cup was back in 1986, where they lost 2-1 to Belgium in their only match against European opposition at the tournament.
Meanwhile, Norway will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Interestingly, they have never faced an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nation in a World Cup match, making this encounter a new experience for both sides.
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Iraq and Norway’s recent form
Norway will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener with high confidence. They have won two, drawn two, and lost just one of their last five matches. Their World Cup qualifying campaign was particularly impressive, as they won all eight matches and scored goals freely throughout.
One of their best performances came in a 3-1 win over Sweden earlier this month. They then held Morocco to a 1-1 draw in their final warm-up game, with captain Martin Ødegaard scoring a late equaliser. Their only defeat in recent months was a narrow 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.
While talking about Iraq, they have found it difficult to build momentum. They have picked up two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five matches. A 1-1 draw against Spain showed what they are capable of, but inconsistency remains a concern.
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Their preparations for the World Cup ended on a disappointing note with a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela. To make matters worse, striker Ali Yousif was sent off during the match, adding to Iraq’s concerns ahead of their tournament opener against Norway.
Iraq vs Norway Group I prediction
Norway are clear favourites thanks to their strong form, attacking quality, and the presence of stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. The Europeans were flawless during qualification and have continued to show their strength in recent matches, while you can’t write Iraq off as this FIFA World Cup 2026 small teams have shown impressive form.
Prediction: Iraq 1-3 Norway, with Haaland likely to be among the scorers as Norway make a winning start to their World Cup campaign.
Iraq vs Norway probable playing XI
Iraq’s probable starting XI
Jalal Hassan; Ali Youssef, Tahseen Mohammed Jamshid, Rebin Sulaka, Merchas Doski; Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal; Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim Ali Al-Hamadi; Aymen Hussein
Norway’s probable starting XI
Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe, Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.
Frequently asked questions
1.What time does the Iraq vs Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 match kick off?
The Group I match kicks off at 6 p.m. EST / 3:00 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST/ 3:30 a.m. IST
2. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Iraq and Norway take place?
It will take place at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough
3. How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Iraq vs Norway?
United States – FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
Canada – TSN+, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
México – Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX México
United Kingdom – BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer
India – Unite8 Sports Channel
Also Read: France vs Senegal Prediction: Who Will Win The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I Clash?
