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Iraq – Norway Prediction

Iraq

D W W W D

22:00

16 Jun · Tue

Norway

W D L

Venue: Gillette Stadium Referee: TBA

Betting Tip

3 picks

Top Pick

X2 Norway or draw 70% confidence

1.31odds

Norway scored freely in recent matches and qualifying behind Erling Haaland, while Iraq are organised but low-scoring, making an Iraq win unlikely.

Back this tip

Total Team 2 Over: 0.5 76%

Norway over 0.5 goals

1.21 odds

Total Team 1 Under:1.5 66%

Iraq under 1.5 goals

1.07 odds

Iraq VS Norway Prediction

Iraq mark a long-awaited World Cup return against a Norway side spearheaded by one of the game's most prolific strikers. The gap in attacking firepower is considerable, but openers can be cagey and Iraq will defend with discipline and pride. For Norway, the task is to break down a stubborn block and start with authority.

Iraq organised and resilient

Iraq arrive having ground out results: a 1-0 win over Andorra, a 2-1 victory against Bolivia that sealed their place, a 2-1 and 1-1 playoff double-header with the United Arab Emirates and a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, averaging around 1.4 scored and 0.8 conceded behind a structured side under Graham Arnold. No confirmed absentees were reported, with veteran striker Aymen Hussein leading the line and Luton's Ali Al-Hamadi and midfielder Zidane Iqbal in support.

Norway dangerous and Haaland-led

Norway come in with goals throughout the team, most recently beating Sweden 3-1 and racking up 37 in eight qualifiers. Erling Haaland, who led European qualifying with 16 goals, anchors the attack, though he was rested for the Sweden friendly, while playmaker Martin Odegaard carries a fitness doubt after an injury-hit season. Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored twice against Sweden, and Antonio Nusa add further threat.

Prediction: Norwegian quality should tell

The teams have never met, leaving form to guide the view. This Iraq versus Norway prediction leans on Norway's vastly superior output against an organised but modest Iraq, so a draw or Norway win carries value rather than backing a runaway scoreline. Around it, Norway look good to register over 0.5, while Iraq's cautious approach is tipped to keep them under 1.5.