Iraq vs Norway Match Overview – 17.06.2026

Iraq and Norway are going to face each other at the Gillette Stadium in a clash from Group I of the FIFA World Cup. Please stick with us because we will preview it in the following World Cup 2026 predictions. Let’s get to work!

Iraq returns at the World Cup for a first time since 1986 and the World Cup in Mexico. The Lions of Mesopotamia will try to reach the knockout phase for a first time ever in their history. The team relies on its Australian manager Graham Arnold – a former coach of the Australian national team.

Just like Iraq, Norway returns at the World Cup after a long absence. For the last time this nation participated in the competition in 1998 in France. So far Norway have reached the knockout phase of a World Cup twice in its history – in 1938 and 1998.

Iraq News & Analysis

As we said, Iraq’s biggest asset in this case is the manager. Graham Arnold already has experience at the World Cup – he led Australia to the 1/8-finals in 2022 in Qatar. For the 62-years old manager this is a great opportunity to leave his mark once again.

Many of the Iraqi internationals play in Europe which is good for the team. For example – we have Ipswich Town’s striker Ali Al-Hamadi, Venezia’s Marko Farji and Viktoria Plzen’s Merchas Doski. These players will bring their European experience to the national team.

But the player who need to keep your eyes on is the 30-years old striker Aymen Hussein. Playing for Al-Karma in the Iraqi domestic league, Hussein is the nation’s top scorer with 33 goals for the national side.

Norway News & Analysis

Norway are bringing their Golden generation to the World Cup. It’s probably the best Norwegian team of all time – filled with super stars. The truth is that Stale Solbakken’s team can do some heroic things at the World Cup. They have the quality.

Many of Norway’s stars do not need any introduction. The team is led by Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland while Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard is orchestrating the midfield. You need to keep an eye on RB Leipzig’s winger Antonio Nusa, though – he’s a future star and an incredibly dangerous player.

55 goals in 50 matches – this is Erling Haaland’s record for the Norwegian national team. The 25-years old striker is in a great position to inspire the national side for something big at the World Cup.

Iraq vs Norway Betting Predictions

We have no secrets here – Iraq are the underdogs in this clash against Norway. We are sure that they will give their best, but it’d be surprising if they even avoid losing here.

Norway to Win Both Halves;
Norway -1 Handicap;

Head-to-Head Matches

This will be the first official football game between Iraq and Norway. These two teams have never met each other before.

Betting Verdict

Norway have the great opportunity to start the World Cup in the most convincing way against Iraq. The Scandinavians are the better team, but sometimes it’s not enough in a tournament like this – they must prove it. Thank you for being with our preview and these World Cup 2026 predictions.