Iraq vs Norway Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Injuries & Match Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 🇮🇶🇳🇴⚽

One of the most anticipated fixtures in Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026 sees Iraq face Norway in Boston, with both sides chasing a crucial early advantage in a group that also includes France and Senegal.

For Norway, this match marks the beginning of a long-awaited World Cup return, led by global superstar Erling Haaland. For Iraq, it is a chance to prove they belong on the biggest stage after a strong qualification campaign and years of rebuilding.

🇮🇶 Iraq Team News

Iraq arrive at the World Cup with growing confidence under head coach Jesus Casas, who has built a disciplined and tactically organized side capable of frustrating stronger opponents.

The team’s biggest strength remains its compact defensive structure and midfield work rate, led by experienced captain Osama Rashid and engine-room presence Amjad Attwan. In attack, Iraq will look to Aymen Hussein, their main goal threat, to capitalize on limited chances.

There are no major injury concerns reported ahead of kickoff, giving Iraq a full-strength squad for this opening test.

Expected Iraq XI

Jalal Hassan; Saad Natiq, Rebin Sulaka, Ahmed Yahya, Ali Adnan; Attwan, Rashid, Ali Jasim; Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein, Ibrahim Bayesh.

🇳🇴 Norway Team News

Norway enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 with huge expectations, as Erling Haaland finally makes his debut on football’s biggest stage.

Under coach Ståle Solbakken, Norway has developed a strong attacking identity built around Haaland’s finishing and Martin Ødegaard’s creativity. The Arsenal captain is expected to dictate tempo from midfield, while Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa provide additional attacking depth.

Norway reports a near fully fit squad, although there are minor concerns over fatigue for several players after a long European club season.

Expected Norway XI

Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Østigård, Meling; Berge, Ødegaard, Thorsby; Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth.

🔥 What to Expect

This match is expected to be a classic contrast in styles.

Norway will dominate possession and push aggressively through midfield, relying on Ødegaard’s passing range and Haaland’s movement inside the box. Their biggest strength is direct attacking efficiency—few chances needed to score.

Iraq, on the other hand, will likely sit deep in a compact defensive block, looking to frustrate Norway and hit on counterattacks. Set pieces could be Iraq’s best opportunity, especially against Norway’s physically strong but occasionally vulnerable defensive line.

If Iraq can keep the game level into the second half, pressure may build on Norway in their World Cup return. However, the individual quality of Haaland often changes matches in an instant.

⭐ Players to Watch

1. ⚡ Erling Haaland (Norway)
2. 🎯 Martin Ødegaard (Norway)
3. 🚀 Antonio Nusa (Norway)
4. 🧠 Aymen Hussein (Iraq)
5. 💪 Ali Jasim (Iraq)

📊 Key Match Facts

1. 🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group I
2. 📍 Gillette Stadium, Boston
3. 🇳🇴 Norway are making their first World Cup appearance since 1998
4. 🇮🇶 Iraq return to the World Cup after a long absence and are aiming for a historic knockout-stage push
5. ⚽ This is a key opening match before facing France and Senegal in a very tough group

🔮 Prediction

Norway enter as clear favourites thanks to their attacking firepower and elite individual quality, especially in the final third. Iraq’s defensive discipline could keep things tight for long spells, but breaking down Haaland and Ødegaard’s influence over 90 minutes is a major challenge.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals