Norway return to world stage against resilient Iraq
Iraq look to secure their first-ever World Cup finals win as they face a Norway side boasting the most clinical attack in European qualifying.
Iraq enter their first World Cup in 40 years as the final team to qualify for the 2026 tournament, having endured a record-breaking 21-match qualifying path. They secured their spot via a 2-1 play-off win over Bolivia and recently held Spain to a 1-1 draw, though a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela last week highlights the defensive task ahead in a difficult Group I.
Norway return to the global stage after a 28-year absence, carrying immense momentum after winning 100% of their qualifying matches. Ståle Solbakken's side recently dismantled Italy 4-1 and Sweden 3-1, though a narrow 2-1 loss to the Netherlands and a 1-1 draw with Morocco show they are not entirely impenetrable.
Goals scored and conceded.
Per-game averages at this tournament — updates as the games are played.
Both teams across every game at this tournament.
IraqNorway
Every tournament game combined — Iraq 3 games, Norway 6 games.
IraqNorwayPast meetings.
Their recent form.
No recent matches recorded.
The road to the final.
Twelve groups into a 32-team knockout · 72 of 72 group games played · fills in as every result lands.
1 (3)
1 (4)
3
0
0
1
1 (2)
1 (3)
2
1
3
0
2
0
3
2
2
1
12
2
0
2
1
3
2
1 (2)
1 (4)
2
0
1
0010301141223320 (4)0 (3)20211231021210461 (3)1 (4)30011 (2)1 (3)2130203221122021321 (2)1 (4)2010010301141223320 (4)0 (3)2021123102121046