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The Iraq national football team is set to host Norway in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I clash at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

The match between Iraq and Norway will kick off at 05:00 WIB on Wednesday morning, June 17, 2026.

The other teams in this competitive Group I include France and Senegal.

Iraq delivered an impressive performance earlier this month, holding European champions Spain to a 1-1 draw on June 4.

Merchas Doski equalised for Iraq after Ferran Torres had given Spain an early lead.

However, after a solid defensive display against La Roja, Iraq fell 2-0 to Venezuela on Wednesday, June 10.

Ali Yousif was shown a red card in that fixture, though the South Americans were already leading 2-0 by then.

The Lions of Mesopotamia find themselves in a challenging World Cup group and are expected to face a tough road ahead.

Meanwhile, Norway returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998. They have been highly impressive in recent years, with many tipping them as dark horses for the title.

Norway topped their qualifying group, forcing Italy into the play-offs, and netted an exceptional 37 goals across eight qualification matches.

A quick glance at their lineup explains their attacking prowess, featuring the likes of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard among their key stars.

In preparation for this group-stage encounter, Norway defeated fellow Scandinavian side Sweden 3-1 in an international friendly at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on June 1.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice, with Antonio Nusa adding a third, while Alexander Isak netted a consolation goal for Sweden.

Stale Solbakken’s side then drew 1-1 with Morocco on June 7, with Brahim Diaz’s 8th-minute opener for the Atlas Lions cancelled out by Odegaard’s 75th-minute equaliser.

The Norwegians arrive at the World Cup full of confidence and will be a team to watch closely.

Head-to-Head and Statistics: Iraq vs Norway

Iraq and Norway have never faced each other before, meaning there is no head-to-head record between the two nations.

Iraq has qualified for the World Cup twice, including this year’s edition, while Norway has made it to the tournament four times.

According to the latest FIFA World Rankings, Norway is ranked 30th in the world, with Iraq positioned 57th.

Match Prediction: Iraq vs Norway

Both teams are likely to view this fixture as a must-win, given the challenge of facing France and Senegal later in the group stage.

Iraq’s coach, Graham Arnold, has emphasised defensive organisation, with the team expected to stay compact early on, aiming to frustrate Norway and create chances through counter-attacks.

Norway, on the other hand, is expected to dominate possession, applying high pressing, quick transitions, and accurate crosses from the wings and set pieces to supply opportunities for their star striker, Haaland.

The Manchester City forward’s physical presence and clinical finishing could prove decisive in this encounter.

Our prediction: Norway to open their campaign with a comfortable win over Iraq.

Predicted Score: Iraq 0-3 Norway

Haaland as the Key Threat

Iraq enters the tournament with high spirits, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1986.

Under coach Graham Arnold, the Lions of Mesopotamia have built a reputation for disciplined defending and a strong fighting spirit.

However, Norway boasts superior individual quality. Stale Solbakken’s squad features the prolific Erling Haaland and creative playmaker Martin Odegaard.

Haaland scored 16 goals during qualification and remains Norway’s primary goal threat as they chase their first victory of the tournament.

According to Riki, a football enthusiast from Jambi, Iraq will likely adopt a defensive approach, relying on quick counter-attacks through their key forwards.

Meanwhile, Norway is expected to dominate possession and continuously press through the combination of Odegaard and Haaland.

“If Iraq can contain Haaland, they stand a chance to snatch a point. But in terms of overall squad quality, European experience, and attacking sharpness, Norway still hold the edge,” he explained.