Iraq and Norway get their World Cup 2026 campaigns underway on Tuesday once they meet at Boston Stadium in Group I.
France are anticipated to be favourites to prime the group, making this contest doubtlessly decisive within the battle for second place.
Iraq are showing at solely their second World Cup finals and their first since 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia endured a tough qualification route, altering managers halfway via the method earlier than Graham Arnold guided them via the latter phases and finally into the inter-confederation play-offs, the place victory over Bolivia secured their place in North America.
The Asian aspect have proven flashes of promise in current months, together with a creditable 1-1 draw towards Spain in a pre-tournament pleasant.
Norway, in the meantime, are again on the World Cup stage for the primary time since 1998 after an excellent qualifying marketing campaign. Stale Solbakken’s aspect gained all eight of their qualifiers, scoring 37 targets and conceding simply 5 within the course of.
Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, Norway possess probably the most thrilling attacking models on the match and can consider they’ve a real likelihood of reaching the knockout rounds.
Their current type has been combined, however the high quality all through the squad means expectations are excessive heading into their opening group fixture.
World Cup 2026: Iraq v Norway crew information
Iraq captain Jalal Hassan is predicted to begin in purpose and will earn his 103rd worldwide cap within the course of.
The skilled goalkeeper must be protected by centre-backs Zaid Tahseen and Rebin Sulaka, whereas Amir Al-Ammari and former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal are more likely to anchor the midfield.
Aymen Hussein is predicted to spearhead the assault, supported by Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim and Stoke Metropolis ahead Ali Al-Hamadi.
For Norway, Erling Haaland will lead the road as he appears to be like to proceed the prolific type that helped his nation qualify for the World Cup.
Captain Martin Odegaard is ready to begin in midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes, whereas Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth are anticipated to supply attacking assist.
Defensively, Kristoffer Ajer is more likely to companion Torbjorn Heggem in central defence, with Leo Skiri Ostigard additionally an possibility if Solbakken opts to rotate.
