Iraq vs Norway Prediction, Odds & Best Bets | FIFA World Cup 2026

Match details:

• Match: Iraq vs Norway
• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group I
• Date: 17 June 2026
• Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA
• Kick-off: 00:00 SAST

For the first time since France 1998, Norway are back on football’s biggest stage and expectations are sky-high.

Led by the devastating attacking trio of Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth, the Scandinavians arrive in the United States as one of the tournament’s most exciting dark horses. Their opening assignment comes against Iraq, who are making their first World Cup appearance since Mexico 1986 after navigating a marathon qualification campaign.

For South African football fans, this is one of those matches that could have a major impact on the wider tournament. Norway know they need maximum points before tougher Group I encounters against France and Senegal, while Iraq will be desperate to spring an early surprise.

Iraq’s qualification journey was arguably the toughest of any team at the tournament.

The Lions of Mesopotamia played 21 qualification matches and only secured their place via the intercontinental play-offs, where they defeated Bolivia 2-1 to claim the final available World Cup berth.

Former Australia coach Graham Arnold deserves enormous credit for turning things around after taking charge midway through the qualification process. Arnold has transformed Iraq into a disciplined and organised side that is difficult to break down.

However, their lack of elite attacking quality compared to Norway could prove decisive.

Much of the pre-match conversation has centred around Erling Haaland, who will finally make his FIFA World Cup debut. The Manchester City superstar scored an incredible 16 goals during qualification, more than any European player, helping Norway win all eight qualifying matches while scoring 37 goals.

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has made it clear that his team’s objective is simple: “Let’s give the ball to Haaland.”

With Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield and Sorloth providing additional firepower, Norway possess one of the most dangerous attacks in the competition. This could be the tournament where Norway finally fulfil their enormous potential.

Iraq:

Graham Arnold is expected to deploy a compact defensive setup designed to frustrate Norway and limit space behind the backline.

Key players include:

• Aymen Hussein
• Ali Al-Hamadi
• Zidane Iqbal
• Rebin Sulaka

Iraq’s best chance may come from set pieces and counter-attacks.

Norway

Norway enter the match close to full strength, although striker Jørgen Strand Larsen has reportedly been battling illness ahead of the tournament opener.

Expected stars include:

• Erling Haaland
• Martin Odegaard
• Alexander Sorloth
• Antonio Nusa
• Oscar Bobb

Predicted Line-Ups

Iraq (4-2-3-1)

Jalal Hassan; Ali Adnan, Rebin Sulaka, Frans Putros, Hussein Ali; Osama Rashid, Zidane Iqbal; Youssef Amyn, Bashar Resan, Ali Jasim; Aymen Hussein.

Norway (4-3-3)

Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Wolfe; Berge, Odegaard, Berg; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth.

The most fascinating battle will undoubtedly be whether Iraq can contain Haaland. Norway’s striker has averaged two goals per game during qualification and enters the tournament fresh after being carefully managed towards the end of the club season.

If Iraq allow too many crosses into the box or too much service from Odegaard, Haaland could enjoy a dream World Cup debut.

• Norway Win 1.20
• Draw 6.25
• Iraq Win 13.00
• Over 2.5 Goals 1.65
• Both Teams To Score – Yes 2.20
• Both Teams To Score – No 1.62
• Haaland Anytime Goalscorer 1.57

Odds are approximate at the time of writing and may vary by bookmaker. If you’re unsure about how odds work, take the time to read our guide on understanding betting odds.

Norway Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.75 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Norway won all eight qualification matches, scored 37 goals and possess significantly more quality throughout the squad. Iraq’s defensive structure may keep things competitive early on, but Norway should eventually break through.

Iraq 0-3 Norway

Norway’s attacking quality should ultimately prove too much.

Iraq are organised and resilient, but Haaland, Odegaard and Sorloth represent a level of opposition they have rarely encountered. Expect Norway to start their World Cup campaign with a convincing victory.