🏆 Iran vs. New Zealand

Select a match day for the current tips: 

June 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 

July 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 

Knockout stage Round of 32 | Round of 16 | Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Third place play-off | Final 

Squads 🔥 | Results 🏆 | Standings 🌏 | Top scorers ⚽

Iraq vs Norway match preview

Iraq and Norway meet in Group I at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday June 16.

Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years having qualified as the 48th and final team, beating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff in March.

Norway end a 28-year absence, qualified with a perfect eight wins from eight in UEFA qualifying and arrive with Erling Haaland at his first major tournament. This is the first senior meeting between these two nations.

Norway arrive in strong form with Haaland ready to deliver

Norway's June warm-ups painted an encouraging picture. They beat Sweden 3-1 on June 1 with Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring twice and Antonio Nusa also on the scoresheet. They then drew 1-1 with Morocco on June 7, with Martin Odegaard scoring a late equaliser. Four goals scored and two conceded across two games — a positive form profile heading into a tournament opener against limited opposition.

Erling Haaland arrives at his first major tournament with 55 international goals and 16 in qualifying alone. His father Alfie played for Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States – Haaland picks up that baton 32 years later as the standout name at this tournament.

Odegaard, fresh from driving Arsenal to the Premier League title, captains the side. His fitness after missing Norway's March friendlies with injury is the key question, but Solbakken confirmed he is available.

Iraq have shown they can frustrate elite opposition

Iraq's June form was mixed. They drew 1-1 with Spain on June 4, with Merchas Doski equalising after Ferran Torres had put Spain ahead — a creditable result that shows what Graham Arnold's defensive system can produce against a superior side. They then lost 0-2 to Venezuela on June 9, a result that raises questions about their attacking sharpness and defensive organisation without the ball.

Iraq qualified as the 48th and final team and their squad has limited depth at the top level. Aymen Hussein leads the attack with over 90 caps. Ali Al-Hamadi of Ipswich provides a physical option up front.

Zidane Iqbal gives creative quality in midfield. Arnold sets up in a compact mid-block and Iraq will look to stay disciplined and hit Norway on the counter — but they managed one goal across two June warm-ups and will struggle to create against Norway's quality.

Iraq vs Norway predictions

• Our main tip (70%): Norway to win and under 2.5 goals. The Scandinavians have the quality to win this comfortably, but Iraq showed against Spain that they can frustrate organised attacks.

• Our player pick (55%): Erling Haaland to score first. Haaland arrives at his first major tournament having scored 16 goals in qualifying. He is Norway's first-choice penalty taker, their focal point in attack and the player the entire team is built around. Against an Iraq side that lost 0-2 to Venezuela, he should find the net early.

• Our correct score tip (25%): Norway 2-0. Iraq's attacking record in June — one goal scored across two warm-up games — makes a clean sheet very achievable for Norway. Two goals from Haaland and company against a side defending deep is the most likely outcome. The form data firmly backs this result.

While our predictions are based on rigorous statistical modeling, football remains inherently unpredictable. We encourage all our readers to use these insights as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Stay in Control: Always set your limits before you start. Betting should be an enhancement to your love of the game, not a financial strategy. Use the tools provided by licensed operators—such as deposit limits and self-exclusion—to ensure your experience remains safe and enjoyable.

Take a look at the offers from our most popular stores as well.  

Statistical Note: King of Coupons provides independent sports analysis for entertainment purposes. Betting involves risk. 18+ | Please Gamble Responsibly.