Iraq vs Norway
Match Preview
Iraq and Norway play out the second match of Group I at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 16, 2026, at 22:00 UTC — a historic encounter that marks the first-ever meeting between these two nations in football. Both teams carry enormous stories into this game. Norway are back on the world stage for the first time since France 1998, an absence of 28 years that makes their return one of the most anticipated storylines of the tournament. Coach Stale Solbakken has built a genuine golden generation: Erling Haaland, the Premier League's most prolific striker, makes his World Cup debut after years of waiting; Martin Odegaard leads as captain fresh from winning the Premier League with Arsenal; Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa provide further elite-level attacking quality. Norway qualified convincingly through UEFA, including a dominant 7-0 win over Moldova in qualifying, and their attacking firepower is feared across all groups. Iraq's presence in the 2026 World Cup is equally remarkable. The Lions of Mesopotamia qualify for the global finals for just the second time ever, and the first time in 40 years — their only previous appearance was at Mexico 1986. Under Australian coach Graham Arnold, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental play-offs to book their place. Their squad blends experienced Middle Eastern football veterans with exciting diaspora talents including Ali Al-Hamadi, who became Iraq's first player to feature in the Premier League, and Manchester United youth product Zidane Iqbal. Iraq will need a disciplined, structured display to contain Norway's attacking threat and could look for a draw as a positive opening result in what is otherwise a demanding group.
Head-to-Head
Iraq and Norway have never met in an official international match. The 2026 World Cup will be their first-ever encounter.
Key Facts
- ●Iraq and Norway meet for the very first time in their football histories at the 2026 World Cup
- ●Erling Haaland makes his long-awaited World Cup debut — Norway are returning to the tournament for the first time since 1998
- ●Iraq qualified for their first World Cup in 40 years, beating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental play-offs
- ●Martin Odegaard captains Norway, who boast a golden generation including Haaland, Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, and Antonio Nusa
- ●Iraq are managed by Australian coach Graham Arnold and feature Premier League-linked players Ali Al-Hamadi and Zidane Iqbal
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Iraq vs Norway at World Cup 2026?
Iraq vs Norway is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 22:00 UTC at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match is part of Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
What is the head-to-head record between Iraq and Norway?
Iraq and Norway have never met in an official international match before the 2026 World Cup. This will be the very first encounter between the two nations in football history, making it a genuinely unique fixture at the tournament.
Who are the key players to watch in Iraq vs Norway?
For Norway, Erling Haaland — one of football's most feared strikers — makes his long-awaited World Cup debut, with captain Martin Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield. For Iraq, Ali Al-Hamadi is the leading attacking threat, while midfielder Zidane Iqbal provides a link between European football experience and the national side.
Is Norway's Erling Haaland making his World Cup debut in 2026?
Yes, Erling Haaland is making his World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament. Norway failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, meaning Haaland — despite being the world's most prolific striker — had to wait until 2026 for his first taste of the global finals. This is also Norway's first World Cup since France 1998.
What are the predictions for Iraq vs Norway World Cup 2026?
Norway are clear favourites given their stellar squad led by Haaland and Odegaard, while Iraq will be considered major underdogs in their first World Cup in 40 years. PredZone's AI models analyse team strength, form, and historical data to provide match result, total goals, and cards predictions before kickoff.