World Cup
Iraq
16 Jun 2026 23:00
Norway
Prediction:
Away win 1.16
View Odds >
Pick your prediction

Iraq vs Norway Predictions, Picks & Odds – 16/06/2026

World Cup · 1
16 Jun 2026 Boston Stadium Louis Hecq

Best odds to bet on Iraq vs Norway

Our prediction
2: Norway to win
1.16 on LiveScore Bet · Confidence High
Odds recorded on 15 Jun 2026 at 05:48 · Odds are subject to change
Competition: World Cup
Stage: Group Stage, 1
Date: 16 Jun 2026
Time: 23:00 BST
Stadium: Boston Stadium

Iraq vs Norway Preview

Iraq return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986, a remarkable achievement under Graham Arnold's stewardship. Recent form has been patchy, however, with three results reading as a loss, a draw, and another loss. The Lions of Mesopotamia have been well organised defensively throughout qualifying, but a record of roughly 0.9 goals per match raises serious questions about their ability to trouble top-tier opposition at this level.

Norway arrive in Boston brimming with confidence after a sensational qualifying campaign that yielded eight wins from eight, 37 goals scored, and just five conceded. Erling Haaland was devastating, netting 16 times in qualifying alone, while captain Martin Ødegaard provides the creative spark. Their more recent form shows a draw, win, draw, and loss, but Ståle Solbakken's side carry genuine belief that this golden generation can make a deep run.

Norway's qualifying campaign speaks volumes: eight wins from eight, 37 goals scored and a mere five conceded. Erling Haaland alone contributed 16 of those goals, a tally that doubled any other European qualifier's output. That relentless attacking pedigree makes the away win at 1.16 the standout selection here, and it forms the backbone of our recommended bets for this fixture.

Iraq's defensive discipline under Arnold should not be dismissed lightly, but their recent form of one draw and two defeats raises serious concerns. Norway, despite a mixed run of late including a qualifying hangover, possess far superior individual quality. Expect Ødegaard to unlock spaces for Haaland, making over 2.5 goals at 1.57 an appealing secondary pick.

The Lions of Mesopotamia managed roughly 0.9 goals per match during qualification, a rate that suggests they will struggle to breach Solbakken's well-drilled rearguard consistently. A Norway victory with a clean sheet is a genuine possibility, giving the both teams to score "no" market at 1.58 additional value. Odds and markets subject to change.

Trends to Know about Iraq vs Norway

  • Norway scored 37 goals in qualifying
  • Haaland netted 16 European qualifying goals
  • Iraq conceded in eight of ten qualifiers

Form & Statistics: Iraq vs Norway

Iraq

Recent form

LDL
Wins0/3 (0%)
Draws1/3 (33%)
Losses2/3 (67%)

Season statistics (3)

2.4Total goals
46%Both teams score
1.2Goals scored
1.2Goals conceded

Norway

Recent form

DWDL
Wins1/4 (25%)
Draws2/4 (50%)
Losses1/4 (25%)

Season statistics (4)

2.8Total goals
57%Both teams score
1.7Goals scored
1.1Goals conceded
StatisticIraqNorway
Last 5 results1D 2L·1W 2D 1L
Avg goals scored1.2·1.7
Avg goals conceded1.2·1.1
Under 2.5 (last 5)3/3·2/4
Probable lineup

Lineups: Iraq vs Norway

Iraq

4-2-3-1
  1. 1 Jalal Hassan
  2. 2 Hussein Ali
  3. 3 Zaid Tahseen
  4. 4 Rebin Sulaka
  5. 5 Merchas Doski
  6. 6 Amir Al-Ammari
  7. 7 Zidane Iqbal
  8. 8 Ibrahim Bayesh
  9. 9 Ali Jasim
  10. 10 Ali Al-Hamadi
  11. 11 Aymen Hussein
  • Fahad Talib
  • Akam Hashem
  • Manaf Younis
  • Frans Putros
  • Kevin Yakob
  • Youssef Amyn
  • Marko Farji

Norway

4-3-3
  1. 1 Ørjan Nyland
  2. 2 Julian Ryerson
  3. 3 Kristoffer Ajer
  4. 4 Torbjørn Heggem
  5. 5 David Møller Wolfe
  6. 6 Martin Ødegaard
  7. 7 Sander Berge
  8. 8 Fredrik Aursnes
  9. 9 Alexander Sørloth
  10. 10 Erling Haaland
  11. 11 Antonio Nusa
  • Egil Selvik
  • Leo Skiri Østigård
  • Marcus Holmgren Pedersen
  • Patrick Berg
  • Kristian Thorstvedt
  • Oscar Bobb
  • Jørgen Strand Larsen

Medium confidence

Both sides line up in back-fours, with Iraq deploying a compact 4-2-3-1 against Norway's expansive 4-3-3. The Iraqis will look to Zidane Iqbal to screen and disrupt in midfield, limiting the space Norway's wide attackers can exploit on the counter.

Norway's structure places enormous responsibility on the central trio to feed Erling Haaland, who operates as the focal point of a front three with genuine width on either side. Iraq's defensive block will be tested repeatedly, and how well they hold their shape in transition could define the match.

How to Watch Iraq vs Norway Match?

What time is Iraq vs Norway?

Iraq vs Norway kicks off at 23:00 BST on Monday 16 June 2026 at Boston Stadium.

Where is Iraq vs Norway being played?

This match will be played at Boston Stadium in Boston.

How Can I Watch Iraq vs Norway on TV and Live Stream?

Check local listings for Iraq vs Norway broadcast details, as coverage varies by region. Odds and markets subject to change.