Norway and Iraq open Group I in Foxborough

Norway and Iraq meet in the opening round of the 2026 World Cup group stage at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with kick-off at 01:30 local time.

The match comes in Group I, where France and Senegal are also included, so the result could shape both teams’ chances of progressing.

Iraq arrive under Graham Arnold after coming through qualifying. The Australian coach has named a 26-man squad after a training camp in Spain, with Zidane Iqbal, Ali Jasim, Ibrahim Bayesh, Aymen Hussein and Mohanad Ali among the players included. Bashar Resan is not part of the plans, and some injuries have also made the build-up more difficult.

Norway reached the tournament in style. Ståle Solbakken’s side won all eight of their qualifiers, scored 37 goals and produced a standout campaign, including a strong showing against Italy.

Erling Haaland leads their attack, alongside Alexander Sørloth and Martin Ødegaard. Norway usually play a 4-3-3 and look to use pace on the flanks and Haaland’s finishing to put pressure on opponents.