IraqvsNorway

This match is one of the 72 group-stage fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pitting two of the four teams in Group I against each other. Every group plays six matches over roughly two weeks, with the top two finishers in each of the 12 groups advancing directly to the Round of 32 — where the knockout bracket begins. The eight best third-placed teams across all groups also progress, so even a third-place finish can be enough to keep a campaign alive.

Iraq are a team whose footballing achievements are remarkable given the decades of conflict and instability the nation has endured. Norway possess one of the most devastating strikers in world football in Erling Haaland, whose prolific goal-scoring at Manchester City makes them a genuine threat at any tournament.

Iraq: Iraq have appeared at one World Cup, in 1986 in Mexico, where they were eliminated in the group stage after losses to Paraguay, Belgium, and a draw with Mexico. Norway: Norway have appeared at three World Cups: 1938, 1994, and 1998.

The match is scheduled at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 10:00 PM (18:00 ET).