Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 World Cup
Group I
Iraq vs Norway
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
00:00
Iraq and Norway will face off in the 2026 World Cup Group I clash on 17 June as the Lions of Mesopotamia look to silence goalscoring machine Erling Haaland.
Head-to-head
The two nations have never met in a senior competitive fixture. This will be their first-ever encounter at this level.
Team News
Iraq are without defender Ahmed Yahya (hamstring injury, replaced by Ahmed Hassan Makenzie), but Aymen Hussein is available despite a recent airport detention issue.
Meanwhile, Norway have no major absences or injuries; Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are fully fit, though the latter has brushed off earlier fitness concerns.
Key Players
Erling Haaland, Norway’s superstar striker, brings lethal finishing, physical power and aerial dominance, making him the ultimate match-winner who can decide big games in an instant.
Zidane Iqbal, on the other hand, remains Iraq’s heartbeat; his vision, technical ability and energy can trouble any midfield when he is on song.
Quotes
“Of course, he is an incredible player. One of the best number nines, probably, you know, going back to the Marco van Basten era," Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said about Erling Haaland.
"He’s that great of a player. But can we stop the delivery? Can we pick him up in the box... We’ve got big boys at the back – 1.96m, 1.97m – big, strong boys.”
2026 World Cup - Group I Full Fixtures
21:00 — Tuesday, 16 June 2026
France vs Senegal
00:00 — Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Iraq vs Norway
02:00 — Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Norway vs Senegal
23:00 — Monday, 22 June 2026
France vs Iraq
21:00 — Friday, 26 June 2026
Norway vs France
21:00 — Friday, 26 June 2026
Senegal vs Iraq
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