Drawn alongside France and Senegal in Group I, Norway can hardly afford a slow start if they want to keep their 2026 World Cup knockout qualification hopes alive.
That is why this opening clash with Iraq already feels like a pivotal moment in their World Cup campaign.
Most predictions are leaning towards Norway winning this one with ease, and it is easy to understand why. They arrive with players who regularly perform at the highest level and carry the expectation of reaching the knockout rounds to go with that.
However, World Cups have a habit of punishing teams that look too far ahead, especially in their first game.
Iraq may not have the same level of star power, but we have been shown time and again at World Cups that any team is capable of making life difficult for stronger opponents. If they can stay compact, frustrate Norway and keep the game close, the pressure could quickly shift onto their opponents.
This one could be far more competitive than many expect. Norway have the quality to win, but Iraq have every reason to believe they can make a statement and put the rest of Group I on notice and even prove our preview wrong.
How to watch Iraq vs Norway
Iraq vs Norway kicks off at 23:00 BST on Tuesday, June 16, at the Boston Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo or Universo and streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS, with select matches also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Iraq team news
Iraq will need some of their senior players to step up if they are to get anything from this match. Against a Norway side packed with attacking talent, experience could prove just as important as quality.
Much of the responsibility in the final third is likely to fall on Aymen Hussein. The striker has been a reliable source of goals for his country and will be expected to make the most of any opportunities that come his way. Iraq may not create many chances, which makes his finishing all the more important.
In midfield, Zidane Iqbal could have a big role to play. His ability to keep possession and move the ball forward may help Iraq relieve pressure during difficult spells. The visitors will also need plenty of discipline in the centre of the pitch if they are to stay competitive.
At the back, the focus will be on staying organised. Norway possess plenty of attacking quality, so Iraq cannot afford lapses in concentration if they want to frustrate one of the favourites in Group I.
Iraq expected XI:
Fadhil – Doski, Sulaka, Tahseen, Ali – Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Jasim – Al Hamadi, Hussein.
Norway team news
Norway arrive with arguably the strongest squad in the group outside of France, and that is why many people see them as favourites for this contest.
All eyes will naturally be on Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has a habit of turning half-chances into goals, and Iraq know they cannot give him space in dangerous areas.
If Norway are to make a winning start, there is every chance Haaland will be at the centre of it.
Martin Ødegaard is equally important. The Arsenal captain brings creativity, composure and leadership, while his passing could be key to unlocking a stubborn Iraqi defence.
Norway expected XI:
Nyland – Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe – Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes – Sorloth, Nusa, Haaland.
Iraq vs Norway stats
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Iraq and Norway at a FIFA World Cup.
- Iraq are appearing at their first World Cup finals since 1986 and will be eager to mark their return with a positive result.
- Iraq have lost just one of their last seven competitive internationals heading into the tournament.
- Norway are playing in their first FIFA World Cup since 1998.
- Norway have won six of their last eight competitive matches.
- Martin Ødegaard has registered more assists than any other player in the current Norway squad over the last two years.
Iraq vs Norway prediction
I think Norway are one of the more interesting teams to watch in this tournament. They may not be among the favourites to lift the trophy, but they have enough quality to cause problems for most sides they come up against.
When I look at this matchup, the biggest difference is in the final third. Erling Haaland is one of the best strikers in world football and only needs a handful of chances to make an impact.
Behind him, Martin Ødegaard has the vision and creativity to unlock even the most organised defences.
Iraq deserve plenty of credit for reaching the World Cup, and they will be determined to make a good impression on their return to the biggest stage.
However, they have been handed a difficult opening fixture against a side that looks to be a step too far for them.
Norway should see plenty of the ball and I expect them to create the better opportunities throughout the match. If they play to their usual level, they should have enough quality to start their campaign with three points.
A winning start would also put Norway in a strong position ahead of their upcoming group matches. In a group containing France and Senegal, that could prove extremely important.
Prediction: Iraq 0-3 Norway
