Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers, double any other European player, and now he finally gets to unleash that firepower on the biggest stage of all.

Norway's perfect qualifying campaign collides with Iraq's fairytale return to the World Cup after 40 years in a Group I opener that pits raw attacking quality against genuine underdog spirit.

Competition: World Cup, Group I

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Kick-off: 8:00 AM AEST (Wednesday, June 17)

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Iraq vs Norway Form and Head to Head

This is the first-ever meeting between these two nations in international football, so there is no head-to-head record to draw on.

What we do know is that both sides arrive in decent touch. Norway warmed up with a 3-1 win over Sweden and a 1-1 draw against Morocco, with Martin Ødegaard scoring the equaliser in the latter.

Their qualifying campaign needs no introduction: eight wins from eight, 37 goals scored.

Iraq's preparation has been quietly impressive. A 1-1 draw with Spain in early June was a statement result, and their World Cup playoff victory over Bolivia, sealed by Aymen Hussein's decisive goal, showed composure under pressure.

Losses to Jordan and Algeria at the Arab Cup in December are a reminder of their inconsistency, though.

Ødegaard Fit, Iraq Full of Belief

Norway's biggest question mark heading into the tournament has been Martin Ødegaard's fitness.

The Arsenal captain battled five separate injuries across the club season, missing stretches of matches and raising doubts about his availability.

However, his start and goal against Morocco on June 7 suggest he is ready to feature in Foxborough, which is a massive boost for Norway's creative output alongside Oscar Bobb.

Iraq will lean on their English football connections. Ali Al-Hamadi, who made history as the first Iraqi to feature in the Premier League with Ipswich Town in 2024-25, spent this past season on loan at Luton Town in the Championship and brings physicality up front.

He scored the opener in the Bolivia playoff. Aymen Hussein netted eight goals through Asian qualifying, while Zidane Iqbal anchors the midfield with poise developed during his time at Manchester United's academy.

Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, with over 100 caps, provides experience between the sticks.

Iraq vs Norway Betting Markets

Norway are heavy favourites here, and it is easy to see why. A side that won every qualifying match with the tournament's most prolific striker leading the line was always going to be priced short.

For the latest Iraq vs Norway odds and markets, check out our dedicated page here at Sportsbet.

The goalscorer markets are worth a close look given Haaland's remarkable qualifying numbers.

Player props around the Norwegian front three could offer punters some interesting options, while the totals market is also worth exploring given Norway's attacking output throughout qualifying.

Iraq vs Norway Prediction: Our Pick

Norway should have far too much firepower for Iraq in this Group I opener, and we expect Haaland to make his mark on his World Cup debut.

Norway's perfect qualifying record was built on relentless attacking football, averaging over four goals per match across those eight wins.

Iraq deserve enormous credit for reaching this stage after a 40-year absence, and their draw with Spain hints at a side capable of competing, but the gulf in quality at the top end of the pitch is significant.

Haaland's 16 qualifying goals came against a range of defensive setups, and Iraq's backline conceded in both Arab Cup defeats late last year.

The one risk is Iraq's counter-attacking threat under transition, particularly through Hussein and Al-Hamadi, but Norway's depth of talent across midfield and attack should see them control this match and open their World Cup campaign with three points and a Haaland goal to savour.

Iraq vs Norway kick-off time (AEST)

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough hosts Iraq and Norway, with the action getting underway at 8:00am AEST on Wednesday 17 June 2026.

For anyone following from the ground, that's a 6:00pm local kick-off on Tuesday 16 June 2026, so Aussie fans will be catching it the following morning.

How to watch Iraq vs Norway in Australia (SBS)

Keen to catch Iraq take on Norway? You won't need to pay a cent -  the clash is live and free-to-air on SBS, with coverage shaped around the 8:00am AEST kick-off. So set the alarm, grab a coffee and settle in for the morning.

If you'd rather watch on the move, you can stream it through SBS On Demand, and SBS VICELAND is another spot to keep an eye on for the action.