Iraq and Norway dey ready to face each other for dia opening match for FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, June 16, for Boston Stadium for Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match go show for FOX.
Norway dey make only dia fourth World Cup appearance ever, and dis one be dia first for this century. Dem no qualify for past six tournaments since dia last appearance for 1998.
Norway cruise through European qualifying with little stress, winning all eight of dia group-stage matches, including two victories over traditional powerhouse Italy.
Despite dat dominance, dem bin place dem for Pot 3 for di draw, wey position dem as a leading candidate to land for a potential ‘Group of Death.’ With di level of talent on dis roster, e dey difficult to view Norway as a mid-tier side, and dem don emerge as a popular dark-horse pick for a deep tournament run.
Norway head into di tournament off a 3-1 win over Sweden and a 1-1 draw against Morocco for two recent friendlies.
For di other hand, Iraq secure di 48th and final spot for di 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia for di intercontinental playoff on March 31.
Iraq recent 1-1 draw against Spain for a June 4th friendly don leave some optimistic about dia tournament outlook. Dis one mark Iraq first World Cup appearance for 40 years and just di second for di nation history.
Make we check out di odds for di Norway vs. Iraq Group I matchup at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 16.
Erling Haaland be -235 to score for Norway opening World Cup match against Iraq.
