- Form: Iraq are unbeaten in their last 10 in all competitions (Won 7, drawn 3), a sequence that includes a 1-1 away draw with Spain and a 1-0 away win against Andorra.
- In-form team: Norway are the in-form team, however, winning three of their last five in all competitions (drawn 1, lost 1).
- Away form: Norway have won two and lost one of their last three away matches, conceding three goals in that sequence.
Narrative of Norway can continue at Iraq’s expense
Iraq will have to be at their best to halt a Norway team with superior individual talent and much more momentum when these two sides open the group-stage in Group I with a high-stakes World Cup match on Tuesday. The game is a battle of two teams who bring very different things to the table.
Iraq's defensive identity
Graham Arnold has made Iraq tough to beat since taking over as manager in May 2025 by inculcating a defensive identity upon the team. His men play a low-block system that is difficult to unlock and their best chances of success come from the pace and penetration of Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein in behind the front two.
Norway's attacking approach
Norway, on the other hand, play a high-tempo game and are aggressive in their pressing all over the pitch to disrupt the opposition. Philippe Clement who took over in November 2025, has found a way to make the best use of the attacking talent he has been blessed with, particularly Erling Haaland.
Backing Norway to win is not enough profit
The market odds tell the story for this game with Norway coming in as 1.23 favourites to win and a draw available at a sizeable 6.8.
That's not profitable enough for us to get behind the visitors to take all three points, although we believe they will, although Iraq's ability to stay compact should ensure it is not a blowout.
Iraq can score and they can defend, but Norway are better and should have enough to break the opposition's resistance at some stage.
- The Lions of Mesopotamia are a formidable team when they can get their game into full swing and it is worth remembering that they have not lost in their last 10 in all competitions.
- They have won seven and drawn three of those games, which included a 1-0 win over Andorra and a 1-1 at the European champions Spain.
- We are taking Iraq to keep it close until Norway's attacking talent, led by Haaland, finds a way to unlock the game, so we are going for 'Over 2.5 goals' at 1.59.
