Iraq vs Norway, 2026 World Cup Preview: A long-awaited return
Twenty-eight years is a long time to wait for a World Cup match.
That is exactly how long Norway has waited. On Tuesday evening in Boston, the Norwegian Vikings will finally return to football’s biggest stage when they face Iraq in their opening Group I fixture.
For much of the last decade, Norway has been viewed as one of Europe’s most talented underachievers. The emergence of players such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth has raised expectations, but major tournaments remained frustratingly out of reach. That changes in the United States.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are carrying their own sense of history into this match. Iraq are appearing at their first World Cup since Mexico 1986, ending a 40-year absence from the competition. Their route to North America was filled with difficult moments, including a dramatic playoff victory over Bolivia, and simply reaching this stage already represents a major achievement.
Both sides arrive after mixed preparation results. Norway drew 1-1 with Morocco in their final warm-up match, while Iraq suffered a 2-0 defeat against Venezuela after earning an impressive draw against Spain only days earlier.
For Norway, this is a chance to justify their status as favourites in the group. For Iraq, it is an opportunity to remind the football world that World Cups often produce surprises when expectation and pressure collide.
Team News
Iraq
Graham Arnold‘s preparations have been disrupted by the loss of left-back Ahmed Yahya, who suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury and has been replaced in the squad by Ahmed Maknzi.
Beyond that setback, Iraq arrive with a largely healthy squad. There are no suspensions to worry about and star striker Aymen Hussein is available despite a difficult journey to the United States after being delayed at Chicago Airport before eventually joining up with his teammates.
Arnold is expected to stick with the compact and disciplined 4-4-2 shape that helped Iraq qualify. The coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of team organisation and collective effort against stronger opponents.
Norway
Norway enter the tournament with a clean bill of health.
Despite occasional concerns surrounding Martin Ødegaard‘s fitness earlier in the year, the Arsenal captain has dismissed any lingering doubts and is expected to start. Erling Haaland is also fully fit and reportedly impressed during Norway’s final training sessions before travelling to Boston.
Ståle Solbakken therefore has the luxury of selecting his strongest available side for Norway’s first World Cup match since 1998, with expectations understandably high around one of the most exciting attacking units in the competition.
Likely Line-ups
Iraq
Jalal Hassan; Merchas Doski, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Hussein Ali; Ali Jasim, Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh; Ali Al Hamadi, Aymen Hussein
Norway
Orjan Nyland; David Moller Wolfe, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Julian Ryerson; Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Ødegaard; Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth
Erling Haaland can test Iraq’s defensive discipline
Whenever Norway is discussed, the conversation naturally begins with Haaland.
The Manchester City striker arrives at the World Cup carrying the hopes of a nation desperate to make up for lost time. His goals have transformed Norway’s attack over recent years and he remains the player every opponent fears most.
What makes defending against Norway so difficult is that stopping Haaland alone is not enough. Martin Ødegaard provides the creativity, Antonio Nusa offers direct running from wide areas and Sørloth gives Norway another powerful presence inside the penalty area.
Iraq are expected to defend deep and remain compact, but maintaining concentration for 90 minutes against this level of attacking quality is easier said than done. The Norwegian Vikings will likely see most of the ball and look to create a constant stream of deliveries into dangerous areas.
If Haaland receives regular service, it is difficult to imagine Iraq keeping him quiet for the entire evening.
Zidane Iqbal can help Iraq escape Norway’s pressure
Iraq know they are unlikely to dominate possession against Norway. Their challenge is finding moments where they can relieve pressure and move the game away from their own penalty area.
That is where Zidane Iqbal becomes so important.
The former Manchester United midfielder is arguably Iraq’s most technically gifted player. While much of the team will focus on staying compact defensively, Iqbal has the ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and keep attacks alive when Norway’s press begins to close in.
If Iraq spends the entire match defending, it will only be a matter of time before Norway creates enough chances to break through. The Lions of Mesopotamia need someone capable of slowing the game down, drawing fouls and helping his side move up the pitch.
Iqbal’s passing range could also be crucial on the counter-attack. With Aymen Hussein and Ali Al Hamadi leading the line, Iraq have forwards capable of making runs into space if opportunities appear.
Iraq’s route to a positive result is unlikely to involve long spells of possession. Instead, it will come from discipline, patience and making the most of the few attacking moments they create. If Iqbal can help them do that, he could become one of the most important players on the pitch.
Match Information
When is the match?
The match will kick off at 23:00 BST on Tuesday, 16 June.
How can I watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITVX and ITV. Alternatively, VAVEL will provide live coverage, updates and post-match analysis throughout the evening.
Where is the match?
The match will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, part of the Greater Boston area in the United States.