Iraq vs Norway prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, June 17, 2026
In the 1st round of the World Cup on June 17, 2026, the national teams of Iraq and Norway will face off. The nominal visitors are hoping to return to the tournament with a victory, but their opponents have ambitions of their own.
Iraq vs Norway: Team News and Expert Analysis
Iraq were among the last teams to qualify for the World Cup. They not only had to show decent results in the main and additional groups, but also get past the UAE and Bolivia in the play-offs. Later, they also defeated Andorra in a friendly match. They pleasantly surprised by drawing with Spain, but finally lost 0-2 to Venezuela.
The Norwegians finally "broke through," not only qualifying for the World Cup but also showing a perfect record, including two victories over Italy. In March, they lost to the Netherlands in a friendly and drew with Switzerland. At the end of spring, they confidently defeated Sweden. Against Morocco, they finished 1-1.
The Middle Eastern side scores just 1.1 goals per game on average while conceding one. The Scandinavians, meanwhile, net 3.1 goals per match and concede only 0.8.
Previous matches: Iraq vs Norway
This will be the first head-to-head meeting between the teams.
Haaland and company are expected to return to the World Cup with a convincing win. We recommend betting on their victory with a "-1.5 goals" handicap (odds – 1.60).
Iraq vs Norway: Key Statistics and Trends
- Iraq have won five of their last nine matches
- 50% of Iraq's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.1
- Norway have won four of their last seven encounters
- 70% of Norway's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 3.9
Iraq vs Norway: Probable Starting Line-ups
Iraq plays in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible line-up): Hassan - Yunis, Ali Al-Hammadi, Ibrahim Baesh, Hussein Ali - Maknazi, Sulaka, Qasem, Aymen Hussein - Aymar Sher, Kevin Jakob. Yahya is questionable.
Norway plays in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible line-up): Nyland - Wolf, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson - Ørnses, Berge, Ødegaard, Nusa - Haaland, Sørloth.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's standings in the World Cup tournament table
