28/05/2026

Predictions: Iraq – Norway

Then it breaks loose; Iraq – Norway. Our first World Cup match in 2026. Iraq, who are participating in their first World Cup in 40 years, will meet the Vikings from the north, who are participating for the first time in 28 years. In other words, this match is far from a given. As is well known, the Norwegian hopes are in a group with Iraq, Senegal and France. If you do a quick mental calculation and label the French as clear favorites, it is the matches against Iraq and Senegal that will stand and fall. You probably don't anticipate anything by stating that the opening match must be won, and that anything else could quickly mean that the World Cup is over for Norway before it has even really started. Norway are the favorites, but here the nerves and the ignition level must be calibrated, because the key is perhaps clearer than ever – a good start can make this group stage a positive experience.

What can be expected from Iraq?

Initially, Iraq should be a manageable task for Solbakken's men. Those of us who have followed football for a while know, however, that it is easy to underestimate the opponent, and if you don't, then you can be blamed for sloppiness, over-excitement or lack of form. It is far from easy to kick off the World Cup as favorites in the first match, and know that here you have to deliver from the first kick of the ball. The task is big, but also as it must be at this level. This is where we want to be.

Iraq is ranked 57th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Rankings, placed between Romania and Slovenia. They beat Bolivia and qualified for the championship, ending a 40-year streak of not participating. But what do we really know about this national team from Iraq? The man behind the helm is former national team player Graham Arnold from Australia. The 62-year-old took the Iraqi flag at the final whistle against Bolivia and sprinted across the field in wild euphoria. He is a never-so-small ring fox, Arnold's best, and among other things took Australia to the round of 16 at the World Cup four years ago. He also has former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen on his staff.

What is even more interesting from a Norwegian perspective are the two guys, Aimar Sher and Marko Farji. Sher currently plays for Sarpsborg 08, while Farji, who is half Norwegian, makes a living at Venezia in the Italian Serie B. Farji came off the bench in the decisive match against Bolivia, and ended up making the goal-scoring pass that caused Iranian jubilation. A dream come true for the southerner with Iranian ancestry. Now it's all about being as well prepared as possible before the opening match against Norway.

His teammate, Aimar Sher, is also prepared. Participation in the World Cup stands in stark contrast to what the country has been through since it was last a participating nation. There have been two wars, and both the Gulf War in the 90s and the US invasion just over 20 years ago have left their mark on the Iranian people's psyche. Being able to enjoy a World Cup now means a lot to both players and the man in the street. Aimar has given several interviews after the participation was confirmed, and tells of tears of joy that flowed in torrents. This is big for Iraq, and it can finally be a unifying positive experience for the hard-working people.

How do we envision the battle itself?

Because it is clear, this is the match Norway must win. With a victory here, we enter the decisive match against Senegal with a good feeling. If we assume that Senegal has lost its opening match against France at that time, then it is the Africans who have the knife at their throats. It will not be unlikely that both Norway and Senegal lose to the World Cup favorites from France, and that the match between the countries will end in a draw. Then the matches against Iraq will be absolutely decisive. A dominant performance, three points, and several plus goals in the margin will be preferable.

Iraq played some good football against Bolivia. The wing play in particular is potent, and it will probably be the transitions and counterattacks that they will besiege. It is a far thinner arsenal than what Norway can boast, but still, it is entirely possible that they can create problems for Haaland and the gang with an optimal day at work. Both Sher and Farji will certainly do their part to pour wormwood into the Norwegian World Cup cup.

What about Norway's game and tactics? We don't think Ståle will set up the game significantly based on the opponent here. He knows that the qualities in the Norwegian squad will go outside Iraq seven out of seven days a week, and with that, you can unleash the offensive forces with good faith that this will result in victory. Nusa, Haaland and Sørloth will be too much for the Iranian defense to handle, and if you add the running power we possess in midfield, the ball will mostly be at Norwegian feet. The Norwegian wing-backs will also have important roles, and with their dedicated runs up the corridors will constantly question the opponent's defensive priorities. The Norwegian bench is also strong, and we will have quality to rely on if it turns out to be a slow day.

What results do we envision?

Considering that this match will soon be decisive, the Norwegian players will probably not take their foot off the gas pedal here. The eagerness to get started is probably great, and with that we predict a match between Iraq and Norway that will be intense and powerful. A dominant victory will ensure that Norway potentially tops the group after the first match, and that will be exactly where Solbakken needs to relax his shoulders a little. A Norwegian team that finds its flow can be an ever-so-small outsider, and considering our aces, especially from the Premier League, we can be a boring opponent for many. Norway wins the opening match, Iraq plays with their hearts on the outside of the shirt, but the differences in level become clear. Norway scores more goals, as they strictly should, and with that the World Cup will finally be underway!