Iraq vs Norway Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup
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by Nella Wagah | in World Cup Predictions
Iraq had arguably the longest journey to the 2026 World Cup, spanning two years and 21 matches. All the hard work has paid off though, as they are set for a return to the world stage with an opening Group I match against Norway. Starting out as the underdogs, our prediction doesn’t back Iraq to shock Norway, especially after having lost half of their last six matches.
Iraq are making a second appearance at the World Cup, 40 years after their first. It wasn’t always a walk in the park, as they missed out on direct qualification in the third round and then on goal difference in the fourth. Usood al-Rafidayn had to face Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff to get here.
Norway had a straightforward route as they secured a third appearance, ending a run of 28 years in the cold. Eight wins in eight matches saw them top Group I, which included former world champions Italy. Røde, Hvite, Blå will be keen on carrying this momentum to the World Cup.
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Iraq v Norway Best Betting Odds
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14 | 6.6 | 1.18 |
|
|
17.5 | 7.45 | 1.2 |
|
|
17 | 7.2 | 1.17 |
|
|
17 | 7.3 | 1.17 |
|
|
16.5 | 7.3 | 1.21 |
|
What is the prediction for the football match between Iraq and Norway?
Our prediction for the Iraq vs Norway match is: BTTS.
Probabilities according to our algorithm* of possible 1X2 football predictions and best odds for the match on 16/06/2026 between Iraq and Norway in World Cup :
- The Sportytrader ⭐ algorithm estimates a probability of 36.35% for a win of Iraq against Norway with odds of 17.5 at 1xbet.
- The probability according to Sportytrader ⭐ for a draw between Iraq vs Norway is 12.19% with odds of 7.45 at 1xbet.
- Our prediction model gives a 51.46% chance ⭐ for a win of Norway vs Iraq with odds of 1.22 at Shangrila.
Iraq vs Norway Form
Iraq and Norway Last Matches
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
9 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
4 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
29 May 2026 - International Friendlies
31 Mar 2026 - World Cup
12 Dec 2025 - Arab Cup
9 Dec 2025 - Arab Cup
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
9 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
31 Mar 2026 - World Cup
3 Dec 2025 - Arab Cup
18 Nov 2025 - World Cup
11 Oct 2025 - World Cup
4 Sept 2025 - King's Cup
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
4 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
29 May 2026 - International Friendlies
12 Dec 2025 - Arab Cup
9 Dec 2025 - Arab Cup
6 Dec 2025 - Arab Cup
13 Nov 2025 - World Cup
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
7 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
1 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
31 Mar 2026 - International Friendlies
27 Mar 2026 - International Friendlies
16 Nov 2025 - World Cup
13 Nov 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
1 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
31 Mar 2026 - International Friendlies
13 Nov 2025 - World Cup
14 Oct 2025 - International Friendlies
11 Oct 2025 - World Cup
9 Sept 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
7 Jun 2026 - International Friendlies
27 Mar 2026 - International Friendlies
16 Nov 2025 - World Cup
9 Jun 2025 - World Cup
25 Mar 2025 - World Cup
22 Mar 2025 - World Cup
Iraq - Norway: Form Analysis
Iraq are at the 2026 World Cup hoping to write a new chapter in their football story, eyeing a repeat of the run that won them the 2007 Asian Cup. Ranking 26 places below Norway, the Asian representatives will not only be eyeing a strong start but also a first-ever win at the World Cup.
In their only previous appearance, they could only manage one goal as they suffered three defeats. Across the three pre-tournament warmup matches, they only registered one win, against Andorra. Their most outstanding result in the friendly matches, however, was the 1-1 draw with Spain. The Lions of Mesopotamia would end their preparations with a 2-0 loss to Venezuela. That marked their third defeat in six outings.
Iraq are making a return to the World Cup 40 years after their debut appearance.
Norway, just like Iraq, aren’t regulars at this competition. Their experience here is, however, unmatched when comparing the two nations. In their two previous appearances, the Norwegians managed to go past the three group games, securing places in the round of 16.
That, though, is where their journey ended, both in 1938 (when only 16 teams took part) and in 1998. Here, Norway will be gunning for win number three at this level, having lost three and drawn as many in the earlier eight games. Following a perfect qualifying run, Norway will be looking to extend the run here, having won each of their last 10 competitive matches.
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Players list
J. Hassan
DefenderH. Ali
R. Sulaka
M. Younus
A. Maknazi
MidfielderK. Yakob
I. Bayesh
A. Sher
ForwardA. Hussein
A. Qasim
A. Al-Hamadi
O. Nyland
DefenderK. Ajer
D. Wolfe
T. Heggem
MidfielderS. Berge
M. Odegaard
F. Aursnes
ForwardA. Nusa
J. Ryerson
A. Sorloth
E. Haaland
Substitutes
F. Talib
A. Basil
DefenderF. Putros
A. Hashim
Mustafa Saadoon
M. Doski
Z. Tahseen
MidfielderZ. Ismael
A. Al-Ammari
Z. Iqbal
Y. Amyn
ForwardA. Yousif
M. Farji
Ali Jassim
E. Selvik
S. Tangvik
DefenderF. Bjorkan
L. Ostigard
S. Langas
H. Falchener
M. Pedersen
MidfielderT. Aasgaard
P. Berg
M. Thorsby
J. Hauge
A. Schjelderup
O. Bobb
K. Thorstvedt
ForwardJ. Larsen
Iraq & Norway Squad Analysis
Much of Iraq’s hopes in this opening encounter will be based on the defence’s ability to hold off the attacking side that Norway is. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan will be crucial in that respect. The skipper was absent in the final match against Bolivia as Iraq secured qualification.
But being Graham Arnold’s safe hands, he is expected back between the sticks. No other player in the team can be more trusted to handle the threat of Erling Haaland and the marauding Norwegian forwards. Hassan featured for 45 minutes in each of the team’s warmup matches against Spain and Venezuela.
Haaland and Odegaard had a combined 23 goal contributions in qualification.
Erling Haaland represents the big problem Iraq are set to face. The Manchester City man will headline Norway’s attack, keen on extending his good scoring run in the qualifiers. Haaland finished as the top scorer in the qualification process with 16 goals, averaging two per game.
He also had a stellar campaign with City, banging 27 goals to bag the top scorer’s accolade. Chief among Haaland’s partners in crime is Martin Odegaard. Though troubled by injury, the Norway skipper still managed seven assists in five qualification games. Like Haaland, he is also coming off a good season in England, where he led Arsenal to the Premier League title.
Iraq - Norway Key Points
- In five of Iraq’s last 10 matches, both teams scored.
- Iraq failed to score in just three of their last 10 matches.
- In seven of Norway’s last nine matches, both teams scored.
- In their last 10 matches, Norway managed just three clean sheets.
- In three of Norway’s last four competitive matches, both teams scored.
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Our Iraq vs Norway Prediction
Norway’s attacking quality is not in question, with two of the Premier League’s top players, Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, in the team. The chances that they will fail to score here are almost nil, and their biggest concern at the moment should be their defending.
Norway haven’t managed a lot of clean sheets in their recent matches, and Iraq will fancy their chances of an upset here. The Asian nation has scored in seven of the last 10 games, and our prediction for Iraq v Norway is BTTS.
Iraq vs Norway Alternative Predictions
Norway wins
Norway didn’t just go through their World Cup qualification run unbeaten; they won each of their matches in the process. Stale Solbakken’s men have managed just one win in their last four friendlies, but they are a different breed when in competitive action. Norway posted straight wins in their last 10 non-friendly matches. With that, we are backing a Norway win as a second prediction.
Use £/€50 free bets for the Iraq vs. Norway game!
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Iraq vs Norway - FAQs
The Iraq v Norway World Cup match will be played on Wednesday, 17th June.
The Iraq v Norway World Cup match will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
