Iraq vs Norway Predictions - FIFA World Cup 2026

Match Details

Date: June 17, 2026, at 08:00 am
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA.

Current Betting Odds

Iraq – $12.00
Draw – $6.50
Norway – $1.30

Iraq vs Norway Preview

Two countries looking to end their long World Cup hiatuses with an opening game win meet here, as Iraq take on Norway in Boston.

It has been 40 years since Iraq last took part in a World Cup proper and now, under the stewardship of Graham Arnold, they are looking to make history in this tournament.

They take on Norway first, a side that are playing in their first World Cup since 1998, but who look to have a bit of a golden generation coming to their peak at this tournament.

These two sides are housed alongside France and Senegal in Group I, making this a very important game for both teams, especially if they harbour ambitions of reaching the knockout rounds.

This should be a fascinating clash of styles in Boston here is a look ahead to Iraq vs Norway:

Best Bet

Norway to win the match @ $1.30

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It is crazy to think that Norway are playing in their first World Cup for 28 years but the expansion of the tournament and the current generation of Norwegian stars, has seen them reach the World Cup proper this time around.

Having the likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard in the Norwegian ranks feels significant, with both men plying their trade at huge clubs, week in, week out.

This appears to have brought up the overall standard of Norwegian football as a result, epitomised by the performances of Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League this year.

The current crop of Norwegian stars look ready to announce themselves to the world and they will be desperate to do so here against Iraq.

As a bit of an unknown quantity, Iraq should play with some freedom in this one, but they do lack big game experience and may struggle to contain Haaland and co.

This should be an intriguing one for the neutral, with Norway looking decent value to open up with a win.

Same Game Multi Bet

Norway to win the match to nil @ $2.30

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Much of the success enjoyed by Norway in qualification for the World Cup was attributed to their high scoring forward line.

While Erling Haaland so often grabs the headlines, the likes of Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb and Jorgen Strand Larsen all carry serious attacking threats.

Yet in qualifying, they were also able to keep many clean sheets and keep opposition attacks at bay.

The industry of Sander Berge and Partick Berg in midfield make it difficult for teams to play around them and they will be key in the middle of the park here.

Iraq may huff and puff here, but Norway look well placed to win this one without conceding in Boston.

Best Value Bet

Erling Haaland to score 2 or more goals @ $3.50

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The sheer presence of Erling Haaland is often enough to unnerve defenders, and the Manchester City striker will be bang up for this one.

With more goals than games played for his native Norway, he seems to be at his most prolific for his country and he will be desperate to make his mark on this World Cup.

Games against France and Senegal should provide sterner tests but Haaland looks good value to net at least a couple here against group minnows Iraq.

Sports Writer

Sam Hayes

Combining his sports coaching career with freelance journalism, Sam is a sports betting writer for various online publications.

He is looking to develop both his respective coaching and writing careers, whilst incorporating his other huge passion - travelling the world.

Sam currently lives and works in Milan, Italy and playing/following/writing about cricket, football (soccer), tennis, formula 1 and golf continue to take up much of his spare time.