Iraq vs Norway Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Use Code SSWC Iraq and Norway meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday at 6:00 PM ET in a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iraq is making its first World Cup appearance since 1986 and arrives with a DWWWD record across its last five matches. Norway is competing in its first major tournament since Euro 2000 and carries a DWDLW record entering the competition. With France and Senegal also in Group I, both nations understand the importance of securing points early in what many consider one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Check out our free World Cup picks.
Iraq Preview
Iraq completed one of the most emotional qualification journeys of any team in the tournament. Graham Arnold took over when morale was low and quickly transformed belief throughout the squad. The Lions of Mesopotamia responded by reaching the intercontinental playoffs and eventually securing a World Cup place for the first time in four decades with a victory over Bolivia.
Arnold has primarily used a 4-3-3 formation while occasionally shifting to a more aggressive 4-4-2 setup. The Australian coach has focused heavily on discipline, teamwork, and building confidence within the squad. Iraq may not have the individual star power of many teams in this tournament, but the group has consistently shown resilience in difficult situations.
Striker Aymen Hussein remains the face of Iraqi football after scoring the goal that secured qualification. Midfielder Amir Al-Ammari is another key player and provides composure in possession while helping dictate tempo. Winger Marko Farji enters after a breakthrough season in Norway and gives Iraq additional pace and creativity in attacking areas. Iraq believes the pressure is on the other teams in Group I, allowing it to play with freedom.
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Injuries: No major injuries reported entering the tournament.
Norway Preview
Norway is finally back on the international stage after a 26-year absence from major tournaments. Stale Solbakken has built a team around a talented core led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, and expectations are growing after a successful qualification campaign. Norway combines physical play, defensive organization, and direct attacking football.
The preferred formation is a flexible 4-3-3 that allows Norway to maximize its attacking talent. Antonio Nusa provides width and creativity on the wing, while Alexander Sørloth often works alongside Haaland in advanced positions. The midfield is anchored by Ødegaard and Sander Berge, giving Norway both creativity and defensive balance.
Everything ultimately revolves around Haaland. The Manchester City striker has already become Norway's all-time leading scorer and remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. When paired with Odegaard's vision and passing ability, Norway can create scoring opportunities against any opponent. Defensively, the emergence of Torbjorn Heggem has helped strengthen a back line that continues to improve.
Injuries: No major injuries reported entering the tournament.
Iraq vs Norway Pick
- Norway -1.5
Norway has a significant edge in talent and attacking quality. Haaland is capable of changing a match with a single opportunity, while Odegaard controls the tempo and creates chances from midfield. Norway also enters with greater depth and more players competing at the highest levels of European football. Iraq deserves tremendous credit for reaching the tournament and has shown remarkable toughness throughout qualification. However, Norway's attacking firepower is difficult to ignore. The combination of Haaland, Sorloth, Nusa, and Odegaard should create enough opportunities to secure a multi-goal victory.
Iraq vs Norway Over/Under Pick
- Over 2.5
This match will cash over 2.5 goals. Norway's attacking approach and overall quality in the final third create a strong path toward multiple goals. Haaland alone is capable of producing a big performance, while Iraq has enough attacking talent to contribute offensively if forced to chase the match. Group-stage favorites often look to build momentum and goal difference early in the tournament. Norway should control much of the play, and that points toward a match that cashes over the total.
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