7M - World Cup Preview: Iraq vs Norway - prediction, team news, lineups

An exciting opening fixture in Group I unfolds at the Boston Stadium as Iraq and Norway return to the global football stage on June 16, 2026. This tournament opener is historic for both teams, as Iraq makes its long-awaited return for the first time since 1986, while Norway ends a 28-year absence stretching back to 1998.

Recent Form and Match History

Iraq enters this match showing strong competitive resilience in their overall preparation. Across their last 10 games in all competitions, the Lions of Mesopotamia have captured six victories, registered three draws, and suffered only one defeat.

Norway shares an identical record in their buildup to the tournament, matching their opponents with six wins, three draws, and just one loss in their previous 10 fixtures. However, Norway's World Cup qualification campaign was particularly dominant, navigating their qualifiers without dropping a single match.

Attacking Highlights and Goals

The offensive profiles of these two nations present a fascinating contrast. Iraq has favored a disciplined, low-scoring approach, averaging 1.1 goals per game in their past 10 matches, with over 2.5 goals occurring only three times in that stretch. They have also shown a tendency to start cautiously, scoring the opening goal in four of their last 10 games.

Conversely, Norway possesses one of Europe's most explosive attacking units, hitting a staggering average of 3.1 goals per game over their last 10 outings. Over 2.5 goals occurred in six of those matches, and the team managed to strike the opening goal in five of their last 10 away games.

Defensive Resilience and Scheduling Pressure

Iraq has proven tough to break down, winning six times in their last 10 fixtures, though they face massive pressure to reverse their historical tournament trends, having lost their last three consecutive World Cup matches in games that stayed under 3.5 goals.

Norway's defense has kept two clean sheets with wins in their previous 10 matches. However, historical tournament tension often makes opening fixtures more conservative. Seven of Norway's last eight World Cup matches have finished with under 3.5 total goals, and five of their last seven World Cup fixtures produced under 2.5 goals, even though five of their last seven overall games crossed the 2.5-goal mark.

Placed in a challenging Group I alongside heavyweight contenders France and Senegal, both teams are under immense scheduling pressure. Defeat in this opener would severely compromise their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Iraq is expected to deploy a deep defensive block to neutralize Norway's firepower, while Norway will look to establish physical and tactical control from the first whistle.

Team News

Iraq will lean on their organizational structure under head coach Graham Arnold, relying heavily on a disciplined midfield and the experience of returning captain Jalal Hassan to absorb sustained waves of pressure.

Norway will unleash their highly anticipated frontline on the world stage. All eyes will be on Erling Haaland, who dominated qualification with 16 goals, alongside the creative leadership of Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard.

Predicted Lineups

Iraq Predicted XI:
Hassan; H. Ali, Sulaka, Younis, Doski; Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Bayesh, Qasim, Jasim; Hussein.

Norway Predicted XI:
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Wolfe; Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Odegaard, Nusa; Haaland.

Match Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway

While Iraq is disciplined enough to sit deep and frustrate opponents, Norway's overwhelming attacking quality should eventually break through. Expect Iraq to play with a defensive mindset to keep the scoreline respectable, resulting in a controlled, low-scoring victory for the European side.