Iraq vs Norway: prediction & betting odds 16 June 2026

Form and Line-up Iraq

Iraq will appear at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Their historic return was secured first by third place in their group in the third stage of AFC qualifying, and then by another five matches - first four across two additional stages in the Asian zone, and then the final intercontinental play-off, in which the Lions of Mesopotamia beat Bolivia (2:1). The decisive match was already played on neutral territory in Mexico.

During their preparations for the World Cup, Iraq even managed not to lose to Spain (1:1), although the European champions fielded a very second-string line-up. The Asian team scored their only goal from a completely unpromising situation. Merchas Doski either shot or crossed from the side edge of the penalty area.

Key numbers:

• At their only World Cup, in 1986, Iraq did not pick up a single point and scored only one goal.

• In the match against Spain, goalkeeper Jalal Hassan began his second century of appearances for the Lions of Mesopotamia.

• In the last 15 matches, only once have opponents scored more than one goal against Iraq.

Probable Iraq line-up (4-2-3-1)

Faad Talib - Hussein Ali, Rebin Sulaka, Zaid Tahseen, Merchas Doski - Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal - Ibrahim Bayesh, Aymar Sher, Ali Jasim - Aymen Hussein

Form and Line-up Norway

Norway had been absent from the World Cup for as long as 28 years, but qualified for the tournament in America with remarkable ease, even though Italy were in the same qualifying group. The Norwegians seemed not to notice them - 3:0 and 4:1. They did not drop a single point in eight group matches. After such results, it is even surprising that Switzerland (0:0) did not allow them to score at all, while Norway's number of shots towards goal was indecently low - five.

Of course, in a team who so rarely reach global tournaments, they could not do without any strong overseas-based player. The coaching staff were fortunate that all of Martin Odegaard's injury problems appear to be behind him for now. It was the captain who equalised on Sunday in the match against Morocco (1:1). In another recent friendly, Sweden were beaten (3:1).

Key numbers:

• Norway scored more than any other team in European World Cup qualifying (37 goals).

• Erling Haaland was the top scorer (16 goals) not only in the UEFA zone, but worldwide.

• In 12 matches since June 2025, the Norwegians have kept a clean sheet in only five.

Probable Norway line-up (4-3-3)

Orjan Nyland - Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe - Fredrik Aursnes, Sander Berge, Martin Odegaard - Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa

Who will referee the match 

Pierre Atcho (Gabon)  

Matches – 14 (International matches, 2025 - 2026);

Average fouls per match – 26;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 2,8;

Matches with a straight red card – 3 out of 14;

Matches with a penalty – 3 out of 14.