Iraq vs Norway: Haaland's Norway take centre stage

In Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Norway play their first World Cup match of the 21st century against playoff qualifiers Iraq at Gillette Stadium. Having completed qualifying with eight wins in eight games, Norway are a popular "dark horse" pick and want to lay down an early marker against relatively modest opposition.

Iraq were, in fact, the final team to qualify for the World Cup. Reaching this stage for the first time since 1986, the Middle Eastern side are led by experienced coach Graham Arnold, who took Australia to the round of 16 in Qatar 2022. But Arnold will need a minor miracle for Iraq to enjoy a long stay, as the team are in the "Group of Death" alongside France and Senegal.

Norway's biggest weapon is, of course, Erling Haaland. Once again the Premier League's top scorer in 2025-26, the star has an incredible record of 55 goals in 50 caps and was qualifying's leading scorer with 16. Ståle Solbakken's side have lost just one game since the start of 2025; a 3-1 win over Sweden and a 1-1 draw with Morocco underline their form.

Iraq, meanwhile, generally struggle against non-AFC teams. Since 2022, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" have played eight non-AFC sides, winning only two and losing four. Iraq's priority will therefore be a spirited display and avoiding a heavy defeat.

In attack, Norway use an asymmetric 4-3-3 that pairs Alexander Sørloth with Haaland, with right-back Julian Ryerson's crosses a key weapon. Captain Martin Ødegaard will orchestrate midfield. Iraq aim to resist with a two-striker setup (Al-Hamadi and Jasim). SI.com's prediction is clear: Norway 3-0.

Predicted XIs
Iraq (4-4-2): Hassan; Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Bayesh, Ismael, Al-Ammari, Farji; Al-Hamadi, Jasim
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa