Iraq and Norway get their World Cup 2026 campaigns underway on Tuesday when they meet at Boston Stadium in Group I.
France are expected to be favourites to top the group, making this contest potentially decisive in the battle for second place.
Iraq are appearing at only their second World Cup finals and their first since 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia endured a difficult qualification route, changing managers midway through the process before Graham Arnold guided them through the latter stages and eventually into the inter-confederation play-offs, where victory over Bolivia secured their place in North America.
The Asian side have shown flashes of promise in recent months, including a creditable 1-1 draw against Spain in a pre-tournament friendly.
Norway, meanwhile, are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998 after an outstanding qualifying campaign. Stale Solbakken’s side won all eight of their qualifiers, scoring 37 goals and conceding just five in the process.
Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, Norway possess one of the most exciting attacking units at the tournament and will believe they have a genuine chance of reaching the knockout rounds.
Their recent form has been mixed, but the quality throughout the squad means expectations are high heading into their opening group fixture.
World Cup 2026: Iraq v Norway team news
Iraq captain Jalal Hassan is expected to start in goal and could earn his 103rd international cap in the process.
The experienced goalkeeper should be protected by centre-backs Zaid Tahseen and Rebin Sulaka, while Amir Al-Ammari and former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal are likely to anchor the midfield.
Aymen Hussein is expected to spearhead the attack, supported by Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim and Stoke City forward Ali Al-Hamadi.
For Norway, Erling Haaland will lead the line as he looks to continue the prolific form that helped his country qualify for the World Cup.
Captain Martin Odegaard is set to start in midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes, while Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth are expected to provide attacking support.
Defensively, Kristoffer Ajer is likely to partner Torbjorn Heggem in central defence, with Leo Skiri Ostigard also an option if Solbakken opts to rotate.
