Erling Haaland watched the last few World Cups from home, but he’ll be in the middle of the action this time as Norway start their Group I fixtures on Tuesday, June 16, against Iraq.
The Norwegians made a statement in beating out Italy for the top spot in their qualifying group, and my Norway vs. Iraq predictions signal an early statement from Haaland & Co. at Gillette Stadium.
Get the lowdown on this clash with my free World Cup picks.
TOP PICK
Who will win Norway vs Iraq: Norway -1.5 (-160)
It’s tough to ignore Norway’s dominant results in qualifying, where they scored 37 goals and conceded just five, and this is a friendly opening fixture for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
The Norwegians have strength all over the pitch, but their star power in attack makes this wager jump off the screen. Led by Erling Haaland, who smashed in 16 goals in qualification, expect fireworks from a deep pool of forwards against an overmatched Iraq defense.
Since November 2024, Norway’s record sits at 12 wins, three draws, and just a single loss, and their tournament warm-ups included a 3-1 victory over Sweden.
In contrast, Iraq are short on game-changing talent, and their winding route to the tournament was a high-wire act that doesn’t inspire confidence for a strong effort in Group I. Manager Graham Arnold has installed an organized structure, but they labored in a 2-0 loss to Venezuela last week, and the talent deficit will be significant here.
Norway have tricky contests ahead against Senegal and France, so I expect a focused, relentless approach in this opening clash.
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Norway vs Iraq Over/Under Pick: Over 3.5 (+135)
With Iraq set to establish a deep defensive line and dare Norway to find a breakthrough, the pattern of play should follow a familiar script. But I’m backing the Norwegians’ ability to create quality chances – and Haaland’s ruthless finishing when those opportunities arrive.
There was ample evidence of that as Norway cruised through to the World Cup. They scored 4+ goals in each of their final four qualifiers, and this is set up to be a long night for the Iraqi defense.
Haaland is sure to draw a crowd as Iraq drop into a low block, but he’s no solo act in this Norway lineup. Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa provide menace in wider positions, and Martin Odegaard arrives in the glow of Premier League title glory.
In many ways, Odegaard holds the key to this Over as much as Haaland does. The Arsenal man netted against Morocco in warm-up action, and he finished with seven assists on the road to the World Cup.
Iraq could pose occasional threats, particularly through Amir Al-Ammari, but this pick is ultimately a bet on Norway showing no mercy in the final third.
Norway vs Iraq projected lineup
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Iraq (4-4-2): Hassan; H Ali, Tahseen, Younus, Doski; Amyn, Sher, Al Ammari, Bayesh; Hussein, M Ali.
Norway vs Iraq injuries
Norway: None.
Iraq: None.
Norway vs Iraq weather
Look for temperatures in the mid 70s by kick-off at Foxborough Stadium, with a light breeze and minimal humidity.
Norway vs Iraq odds
| Norway | Iraq | |
|---|---|---|
| -488 | Moneyline | +1567 |
| +669 | Draw | +669 |
| Over 2.5 (-163) | Total | Under 2.5 (+156) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Norway vs Iraq
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA |
| Date | Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
| Time | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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