Norway enter their opening World Cup Group I fixture against Iraq as overwhelming favourites, with Erling Haaland’s side tipped to assert their dominance in a match that pits one of Europe’s most in-form attacking teams against a nation returning to the tournament after a 40-year absence.
The match, scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Gillette Stadium in Boston, marks the start of Group I competition, which also includes France and Senegal. Both Iraq and Norway arrive knowing that early points could be decisive in what is widely viewed as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
For Norway, the fixture represents a return to the World Cup stage after a 28-year absence. Their qualification campaign was emphatic, with eight wins from eight matches and 37 goals scored, establishing them as one of the most efficient attacking sides in European qualification. Led by Haaland and Martin Odegaard, they arrive with a squad widely regarded as the strongest in their recent history.
Iraq, meanwhile, are making only their second World Cup appearance, their return coming after a long 40-year wait. Their path to qualification was significantly more arduous, involving AFC play-offs and an inter-confederation playoff in Monterrey. The journey included disrupted travel logistics, including airspace closures, a 12-hour overland journey from Baghdad to Amman, and a 17-hour flight to Mexico, before a last-minute winner secured their place as the 48th and final team to qualify.
Despite the contrast in preparation and experience, Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has attempted to shift pressure away from his squad, insisting that expectation lies elsewhere in the group. His strategy has been to frame Iraq as underdogs with freedom to perform without external burden, particularly in a group that also features established international heavyweights.
Tactical contrast defines the fixture
On the pitch, the contest presents a clear tactical mismatch in style and output. Norway, under Stale Solbakken, operate a fluid 4-3-3 system that transitions rapidly into attack, with Haaland’s movement and Odegaard’s creativity central to their approach. Their attacking structure is built on speed, precision, and an ability to exploit space quickly in transition.
Iraq, by contrast, have developed a more conservative identity under Arnold. Their system prioritises defensive organisation and compact shape, with a reliance on counter-attacks and a small group of creative players to generate chances. Their average possession in qualifying sat in the mid-40s, reflecting a team more comfortable absorbing pressure than dictating play.
This tactical disparity is expected to be tested immediately against Norway’s attacking depth. Iraq’s defensive structure will need to remain disciplined throughout, as any lapse against Norway’s forward line is likely to be punished.
Form guide highlights Norway dominance
Norway’s recent form underscores their status as favourites. Their qualifying campaign included a 4-1 away victory over Italy and a total of 37 goals scored across eight matches, with only five conceded. Friendly results have been more mixed, including draws against Morocco and Switzerland, though these fixtures were used heavily for experimentation and squad rotation. A 3-1 win over Sweden provided a clearer reflection of their attacking rhythm.
Iraq’s preparation has been less consistent. A 1-1 draw with Spain offered encouragement, but a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela exposed limitations in attacking progression against structured defensive sides. Across nine qualifying matches, Iraq scored just 10 goals, while their defensive approach allowed them to remain competitive in tightly contested fixtures.
Their 2-1 playoff victory over Bolivia, secured by Aymen Hussein, remains their standout qualifying moment and evidence of their ability to perform under pressure.
Betting perspective and expectations
From a performance standpoint, Norway’s superiority in both attacking output and squad depth is reflected in expectations around the match outcome. Their qualifying average of more than four goals per game contrasts sharply with Iraq’s limited scoring record and defensive reliance.
Erling Haaland remains the focal point of Norway’s attack, having scored 23 goals across qualification and recent matches. His movement and finishing ability present a significant challenge for Iraq’s central defensive pairing of Merchas Doski and Frans Putros, neither of whom have faced a striker of his profile in competitive international football.
Martin Odegaard’s creative influence further strengthens Norway’s attacking threat, particularly in exploiting spaces between Iraq’s defensive and midfield lines.
A comfortable Norwegian victory is widely anticipated, with scoreline projections suggesting multiple-goal margins are realistic if their attacking structure functions as expected.
Team news and availability
Iraq enter the match with a largely settled squad despite some pre-tournament disruption. Striker Aymen Hussein, who scored the decisive goal that secured qualification, was reportedly held for questioning at Chicago airport upon arrival in the United States, briefly disturbing preparations. Head coach Graham Arnold confirmed the incident but downplayed its impact on team focus.
Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is expected to start, providing experience at the back. Midfielder Amir Al-Ammari and winger Ali Jasim are both fit and available. One notable inclusion is Marko Farji, the 22-year-old Norwegian-born winger now playing in Serie A with Venezia, adding an interesting subplot given his familiarity with Norwegian football and players.
Norway, meanwhile, arrive with a fully fit squad. Haaland, Odegaard, Sander Berge, and Alexander Sorloth are all available for selection. Solbakken’s main selection decisions centre on tactical shape, with either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system possible depending on how Iraq approach their defensive setup.
Predicted line-ups
Iraq are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Jalal Hassan in goal and Aymen Hussein leading the line.
Norway are also projected to deploy a 4-3-3, anchored by Haaland up front and Odegaard orchestrating play from midfield.
Key battle: Haaland against Iraq’s defence
The defining matchup is expected to be Erling Haaland against Iraq’s central defenders. Haaland’s ability to operate between defensive lines and exploit even minimal space makes him a constant threat. Iraq’s defensive approach will require precise coordination, as dropping too deep risks allowing Odegaard time to dictate play in advanced areas, while pushing too high exposes space behind.
There is little margin for error for Iraq, with Norway’s attacking variety likely to test their structure from the opening whistle to the final stages.
Ultimately, the fixture represents a meeting of two contrasting football journeys: Norway’s return with a golden generation at the peak of their powers, and Iraq’s long-awaited reappearance on football’s biggest stage, earned through resilience and a difficult qualifying path. Both arrive with ambition, but under very different expectations as Group I begins in Boston.
