Iraq vs Norway Prediction & Odds

The World Cup Group I opener sees Iraq, making their first appearance in 40 years, face Norway, returning after a 28-year absence. Iraq's recent form shows a mixed bag of L, W, W, D, L, including a notable 1-1 friendly draw against Spain, while Norway enters with positive momentum, their form of W, L, D, W, D bolstered by winning all eight of their qualifying matches and recent friendly results like a 3-1 win over Sweden and a 1-1 draw against Morocco; there is no recent head-to-head data available for these two nations.

Norway boasts a formidable attacking duo in Erling Haaland, a prolific goalscorer with 16 goals in qualifying and 55 goals in 50 national appearances, and captain Martin Ødegaard, who is fully fit and crucial for chance creation despite earlier injury concerns. For Iraq, key figures include Asian qualifying top scorer Aymen Hussein, dynamic forward Ali Al-Hamadi, midfielder Zidane Iqbal, and playmaker Kevin Yakob, who has made an inspiring return from injury, though Ahmed Yahya is out with a hamstring injury, replaced by Ahmed Hassan Makenzie.

This match will likely highlight a fascinating tactical battle between Norway's high-octane, attacking style, which saw them average 4.62 goals per game in qualifying, and Iraq's defensively solid, counter-attacking 4-4-2 formation. The key storyline revolves around whether Iraq can secure their first-ever World Cup victory by stifling Norway's star-studded offense, particularly Erling Haaland, who will be eager to make an impact on the global stage.