Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- Group I's opener features Iraq returning to the World Cup after 40 years against Norway making their first appearance in 28 years. Graham Arnold's Iraq deploy a 4-4-2 against Ståle Solbakken's Norway in 4-3-3. Both nations have realized long-held dreams with Iraq seeking their first World Cup win since 1986 and Norway targeting a maiden quarter-final after Round of 16 exits in 1938 and 1998.
- World-elite striker Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 25) makes his long-awaited World Cup debut with an astonishing record of 55 goals in 49 internationals. Partnering with 194cm target man Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid, 30), who brings 26 goals in 70 caps, they form a devastating aerial and ground threat that will test Iraq's defensive resolve to the limit.
- Iraq's attack features the experienced duo of Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma, 30) with 93 caps and 33 goals, and technician Mohanad Ali (Dibba, 25) nicknamed 'Mimi' with 70 caps and 27 goals. Hussein became the first Iraqi to score 6 goals at a single Asian Cup in 2024, while Ali made his professional debut at just 13 and brings exceptional technique and finishing ability against Norway's high defensive line.
- The midfield battle showcases Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard (27) against former Manchester United academy product Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht, 23). Ødegaard joined Real Madrid at 16 and now leads Norway with 67 caps and 4 goals, while Iqbal made history as the first British South Asian to play in the Champions League in 2021 and has 23 caps with 2 goals for Iraq.
- Iraq's midfield hinges on Swedish-born naturalized players providing European experience. Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia, 28) brings defensive stability with his 184cm frame and 49 caps, Kevin Yakob (AGF, 25) helped secure AGF's first Danish title in 40 years, while Aymar Sher (Sarpsborg 08, 23) recently switched allegiance in 2025, forming a crucial spine of Europe-based talent.
- An intriguing young talent matchup sees Norway's Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig, 21) face Iraq's Ali Jasim (Como, 22) on the flanks. Nusa brings explosive pace from Club Brugge with 22 caps and 7 goals, while Baghdad-born Jasim secured a Serie A contract and has 35 caps with 2 goals. Both next-generation stars make their World Cup debuts with plenty to prove.
- Between the posts, Iraq captain Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa) with over 100 caps faces Sevilla's Ørjan Nyland (35) with 71 caps for Norway. Hassan was instrumental in Iraq's first qualification in 40 years, while Nyland returns to the World Cup stage after France 1998, renowned for his reflexes and penalty-saving ability in what promises to be a battle of experienced shot-stoppers.
- With Pot 1 France and Pot 2 Senegal looming in Group I, this opening result could prove decisive for knockout stage qualification. Iraq seek their first World Cup victory after going winless in three group matches at Mexico 1986 (against Paraguay, Belgium and Mexico), while Norway aim to finally surpass the Round of 16 ceiling from their three previous participations, making this a crucial opening fixture for both nations' ambitions.