Iraq vs. Norway

Norway enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Iraq as heavy favorites due to superior squad depth and attacking firepower, anchored by Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring and Martin Ødegaard’s midfield control. The Norwegians return after a 28-year absence following an undefeated UEFA qualifying campaign that featured dominant results and Haaland’s record international goal tally. Iraq, appearing for the first time since 1986 after a late intercontinental playoff qualification, rely on a compact defensive structure and counter-attacking threat under coach Graham Arnold but face a significant gap in resources and recent competitive pedigree against European opposition. Traders price in Norway’s expected control of possession, set-piece threat, and transition speed at Gillette Stadium, while acknowledging Iraq’s organized resilience as the primary path to a draw or rare upset in this