Iraq vs Norway

Iraq return to the World Cup after 40 years away, their first appearance since Mexico 1986.

Iraq are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 — every player in their 2026 squad was born after their previous appearance.

Iraq and Norway have never met at a FIFA World Cup. This will be their first World Cup encounter.

Iraq have won none of their last 3 World Cup matches (0W-0D-3L).

Iraq have lost their last 3 World Cup matches, conceding 4 goals.

Iraq have conceded in each of their last 3 World Cup matches, letting in 4 goals in total.

Norway are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Only nine of their 26 players were alive when they last appeared.

Norway won all 8 qualifiers, scoring 37 goals and conceding 5.

Despite appearing in only five games, Martin Odegaard was the player with most assists (7) in the UEFA WC qualification

Norway’s World Cup opening-match record is 1W-1D-1L across 3 appearances (4-4 goals). They have kept 1 clean sheet in those opening games.