Iraq and Norway will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey on Tuesday night when they meet at Boston Stadium in a crucial Group I encounter.
With France and Senegal already having played their opening group match a day earlier, both nations know that a positive result is essential to avoid falling behind in the race for qualification to the knockout stages.
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since their historic debut in 1986. Their qualification campaign was not without turbulence, as the country’s football authorities made a managerial change following a disappointing defeat to Palestine during the qualification process.
The Lions of Mesopotamia will be determined to make a stronger impression than they did in their only previous World Cup appearance, where they lost all three group-stage matches against Paraguay, Belgium and Mexico.
Norway, meanwhile, arrive at the tournament full of confidence after producing a flawless qualification campaign. Ståle Solbakken’s side won every match in their group, collecting the maximum 24 points available while scoring an impressive 37 goals and conceding just five.
Although their recent friendly results have been mixed, including defeats and draws against strong opposition, Norway remain one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional favourites. Their attacking firepower and defensive solidity make them strong contenders to progress from the group.
The Scandinavians are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998, when they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Italy. After a long absence from football’s biggest stage, Norway will be eager to mark their return with a victory.
For Iraq, it is an opportunity to make history and prove they belong among the world’s elite. For Norway, it is a chance to continue the momentum that carried them through qualification.
Team News:
Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is also the team’s captain, so while the 35-year-old may be past the peak of his powers, he is set to earn his 103rd cap.
The shot-stopper will need to be protected by central defenders Zaid Tahseen and Rebin Sulaka at Boston Stadium, but midfielders Amir Al-Ammari and Zidane Iqbal must also be ready to shield their defence.
Norway will be led by talismanic striker Erling Haaland, but he will not be their only weapon in the final third on Tuesday given he may start alongside Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard will lead his national team out as captain, and the midfielder is set to be joined by Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes.
Possible Lineups
Iraq possible starting lineup:
Hassan; Ali, Tahseen, Sulaka, Doski; Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Bayesh, Jasim, Al-Hamadi; Hussein
Norway possible starting lineup:
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 23:00 (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball predicts Iraq 1-2 Norway
Iraq will have to be resilient on Tuesday if they have any hope of stopping Haaland, but it is difficult to look past the Norwegian forward line
