Norway and Iraq end multi-decade World Cup absences with a high-stakes Group I opener at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, pitting Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard against a resilient Iraqi side fresh off a playoff win. Norway arrive packed with attacking firepower and aerial defenders; Iraq bring recent momentum under Graham Arnold and a compact, disciplined unit ready to test Norway’s defense in a match that could set the tone for the group.
Match preview: Norway vs Iraq — Gillette Stadium, Tuesday
Norway meet Iraq in what feels like a classical David vs. Goliath World Cup opener in Foxborough. Kickoff is 6 p.m., and both nations are making long-awaited returns to the tournament after more than two decades away. Norway’s roster is stacked with Premier League stars and elite finishers; Iraq counters with cohesion, recent form under Graham Arnold and a mix of regional veterans and emerging talent in Europe and MLS.
What Norway brings — lethal attack, imposing defense
Erling Haaland is the defining threat. Coming off a 41-goal club season and 16 World Cup qualifying strikes, Haaland’s finishing power changes how opponents must defend. Martin Ødegaard controls tempo and creates space, supported by wingers Oscar Bobb, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup and Alexander Sørloth. This front line makes Norway the clear offensive favorite.
Norway’s defense leans on size and experience. Central defenders Kristoffer Ajer, Henrik Falcóner and Torbjørn Heggem offer aerial dominance, while 35-year-old Ørjan Håskjold Nyland provides veteran reliability in goal. Nyland conceded only five times in eight qualifiers and kept four clean sheets — a calming presence behind a physical backline.
What Iraq brings — organization, momentum and growing talent
Iraq punched its ticket via a playoff and arrives with confidence. Under Graham Arnold, Iraq’s form has been strong: recent results include an 11-3-4 run and a 1-1 friendly draw with world No. 2 Spain. That consistency is no accident — Arnold has tightened defensive shape and instilled clarity in transition play.
Iraq’s squad skews toward Middle Eastern leagues, but its brightest prospects are abroad. Ahmed Qasem (Nashville SC) provides pace and MLS experience on the wing. Marko Lawk Farji, now at Venezia, offers a young striker’s movement but still seeks his first senior international goal.
Ali Al Hamadi has been a steady scorer in the English lower leagues. Midfielders Zidane Iqbal and Aimar Sher will be tasked with disturbing Ødegaard’s rhythm and protecting the backline. Veteran keeper Jalal Hassan, with 78 caps, is likely to start between the sticks.
Key players to watch
Norway: Erling Haaland — match-winner and focal point for attacks; Martin Ødegaard — creator and tempo setter; Ørjan Nyland — veteran goalkeeper stability. Iraq: Ahmed Qasem — direct wing threat with MLS minutes; Zidane Iqbal — creative midfielder who can link play; Jalal Hassan — experienced last line.
Tactical battle — how the match will be won
Norway will look to dominate possession, use Ødegaard to probe gaps and feed Haaland in the box. Expect width and early crosses to exploit both Haaland’s movement and Norway’s tall center-backs at set pieces.
Iraq’s path is through compact defending and quick transitions. Containing Haaland will require disciplined marking and minimizing isolated 1v1 situations inside the penalty area. Iraq can flourish on counters and set-piece moments, while midfield disruptions from Iqbal and Sher could be decisive in choking Norway’s supply lines.
What victory, draw or defeat would mean
A Norway win would validate the expectation that elite attacking talent translates to group-stage control and would relieve pressure ahead of matches with France and Senegal. For Iraq, a positive result — especially a draw or narrow win — would be seismic: it would confirm the team’s progress under Arnold and reshape Group I dynamics immediately.
A loss for Iraq is not terminal, but it increases the burden in matches against France and Senegal. Conversely, a Norwegian stumble would invite scrutiny over defensive frailties and raise questions about how the side handles teams that pack the midfield.
Remaining Group I schedule
Norway: vs Senegal at MetLife Stadium, June 22 (8 p.m.); vs France in Foxborough, June 26 (3 p.m.). Iraq: vs France in Philadelphia, June 22 (5 p.m.); vs Senegal in Toronto, June 26 (3 p.m.).
Final read — why this match matters
This game is more than an opener; it’s a tone-setter. Norway’s star power creates expectations of dominance, but Iraq’s tactical discipline and recent form make them a credible threat. Expect a chess match around Haaland: if Norway asserts control, it could emerge as the group’s early frontrunner; if Iraq frustrates and counters effectively, the group balance could tilt dramatically.
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Either way, Gillette Stadium should offer a compelling early test of each side’s World Cup credentials.
Masslive
