The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I campaign commences for Iraq and Norway on 16 June, with both sides aiming for a crucial opening victory. This encounter represents a significant moment for two nations with differing World Cup pedigrees, each hoping to make an early statement in a challenging group.
What's at Stake
This Group I opener carries immense importance for both Iraq and Norway. With formidable opponents like France and Senegal also in the group, securing points from this fixture is paramount for any aspirations of progressing to the knockout stages. A win would provide a vital confidence boost and a strong foundation, while a defeat could leave either side facing an uphill battle in their subsequent matches. Both teams currently sit on zero points after zero games played. [/standings]
Recent Form
Norway enters the tournament in impressive form, having enjoyed a flawless qualification campaign where they secured eight wins from eight matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding just five. Their strong attacking prowess was evident in a 4-1 victory over Italy during qualification. Recent friendly results include a 1-1 draw with Morocco, a 3-1 win against Sweden, a goalless draw with Switzerland, and a narrow 1-2 defeat to the Netherlands.
Iraq's journey to the World Cup was a protracted one, culminating in a playoff victory against Bolivia. Their qualifying record saw them achieve four wins, three draws, and two losses, with 10 goals scored in nine matches, highlighting a more defensively oriented approach. In their recent warm-up fixtures, Iraq managed a creditable 1-1 draw with Spain but suffered a 0-2 loss to Venezuela.
Team News & Injuries
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken appears to have a largely fit squad at his disposal. While captain Martin Ødegaard has experienced some injury concerns during the club season, he is expected to be fully recovered for the World Cup. Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes and defender Torbjørn Heggem also had minor injury issues earlier in the year, but recent squad announcements suggest they are available for selection.
For Iraq, there is one confirmed injury setback. Left-back Ahmed Yahya sustained a muscle injury in a friendly against Spain and has been replaced in the final squad by Ahmed Maknazi. Captain Jalal Hassan, who missed a crucial playoff match due to injury, has returned to the squad and is available. Otherwise, coach Graham Arnold is reported to have a full complement of players to choose from for this opening fixture. [/teams/iraq]
Predicted Lineups & Score Prediction
Predicted Iraq XI (4-3-3): Hassan; Doski, Sulaka, Putros, Hussein Ali; Al-Ammari, Bayesh, Iqbal; Farji, Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali.
Predicted Norway XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Thorstvedt; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Norway, with their potent attack led by Erling Haaland, will present a significant challenge for Iraq's organised defence. Haaland was the leading scorer in European qualification with 16 goals. While Iraq has shown resilience, particularly in their draw against Spain, Norway's overall quality and goal-scoring threat are likely to prove decisive. We anticipate Norway will secure a comfortable victory in their opening World Cup fixture. [/teams/norway] [/predict]
Score Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
