Iraq are the lowest-ranked team in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, currently sitting 57th in the FIFA World Rankings. For comparison, their opening-match opponents Norway are ranked 31st in the world. This marks Norway’s first World Cup appearance since the 1998 tournament in France, and with their current golden generation, Ståle Solbakken’s side are considered one of the dark horses of the competition.
The disciplined defensive display Iraq produced in their shock 1-1 draw away to Spain earlier this month — featuring compact defensive lines and sharp counter-attacks — is likely to be their tactical approach against Norway as well. However, statistics suggest that despite their defensive style and low block setup, Iraq are not a team that frequently commits fouls to disrupt opposition attacks.
Evidence of this can be seen in their recent form, with Iraq committing no more than 10 fouls in four of their last five matches. During that period, they received more cards than their opponents only once. On the other hand, Norway have averaged just one card per match across their last 10 international fixtures.
Another important factor is referee Pierre Atcho, who has shown only eight yellow cards across the last three senior international matches he has officiated.
Card Betting Tip (Full Match)
Pick: Iraq + Under Total Cards
First-Half Card Betting Analysis
In Pierre Atcho’s last five international matches as referee, he has never issued more than one yellow card before halftime. Six of Iraq’s last seven internationals featured at least one first-half booking, but only one of those matches produced more than one card before the break.
Norway, meanwhile, have lost the first-half card count only once in their last 11 matches, highlighting their disciplined approach during the opening stages of games.
First-Half Card Betting Tip
Pick: Norway + Under First-Half Total Cards
Team News
Iraq
Iraq are expected to field their strongest available lineup, with veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan starting between the posts and attacking trio Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim, and Ali Al-Hamadi leading the frontline.
Norway
Norway will have all of their key stars available, including striker Erling Haaland, captain Martin Ødegaard, and exciting winger Antonio Nusa, all of whom are expected to start.
Predicted Lineups
Iraq
Hassan; Ali, Tahseen, Sulaka, Doski; Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Bayesh, Jasim, Al-Hamadi; Hussein.
Norway
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
Iraq – Last 10 Matches
(Refer to form statistics provided.)
Norway – Last 10 Matches
(Refer to form statistics provided.)
Head-to-Head Record
Iraq and Norway have never met before in an official international match.
Recommended Card Bets
- Full Match Cards: Iraq + Under Total Cards
- First-Half Cards: Norway + Under First-Half Total Cards