Iraq vs Norway — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Group I's second opener pairs Iraq, back at the World Cup, against an Erling Haaland-led Norway making a long-awaited return to the global stage. Graham Arnold's Iraq are organised and combative; Stale Solbakken's Norway carry one of the planet's most lethal attacking duos in Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
The storyline is simple and seismic: Haaland on the World Cup stage at last. Norway will look to feed their striker, get Odegaard on the ball in pockets and use Antonio Nusa's pace. Iraq will defend deep, stay compact and try to deny space to the most dangerous No. 9 in the world.
Expect Iraq to frustrate and Norway to probe. If the Norwegians find the right service, their firepower should tell; if Iraq's block holds, this becomes a nervy examination of Norway's patience.
Key storylines
- 01Haaland's arrival: one of the world's best strikers on the World Cup stage at last.
- 02Norway's return after a long absence from the finals.
- 03Martin Odegaard supplies the craft behind Haaland's running.
- 04Iraq's compact, combative block under Graham Arnold.
- 05A test of Norway's patience against deep defending.
Prediction
Norway's firepower to break through. Friendly call: Iraq 0-2 Norway.
