Iraq and Norway are set to face off in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on FOX.
Norway is making only its fourth World Cup appearance ever and its first of this century. They did not qualify for the past six tournaments, dating back to their last appearance in 1998.
Norway cruised through European qualifying with little stress, winning all eight of their group-stage matches, including two victories over traditional powerhouse Italy.
Despite that dominance, they were placed in Pot 3 for the draw, positioning them as a leading candidate to land in a potential “Group of Death.” With the level of talent on this roster, it’s difficult to view Norway as a mid-tier side, and they have emerged as a popular dark-horse pick for a deep tournament run.
Norway heads into the tournament off a 3-1 win over Sweden and a 1-1 draw against Morocco in two recent friendlies.
On the other hand, Iraq secured the 48th and final spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff on March 31.
Iraq’s recent 1-1 draw against Spain in a June 4th friendly has left some optimistic about its tournament outlook.
This marks Iraq’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years and just the second in the nation’s history.
Let’s check out the odds for the Norway vs. Iraq Group I matchup at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 16.
Erling Haaland is -235 to score in Norway’s opening World Cup match against Iraq (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images).
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Iraq vs. Norway Odds
Moneyline
- Iraq: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
- Norway: -600 (bet $10 to win $11.67 total)
- Draw: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Spread
- Norway -1.5: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88 total)
- Iraq +1.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Over/Under Total Odds: 2.5
- Over: -178 (bet $10 to win $15.62 total)
- Under: +144 (bet $10 to win $24.40 total)
Iraq vs. Norway Prediction, Pick
From FOX Sports Research:
- It’s been 40 years since Iraq qualified for the World Cup and they were the last team to qualify this year. Erling Haaland has scored 55 goals in 50 appearances for Norway, and has scored in 32 of those matches. His fellow forward Alexander Sørloth has scored 56 La Liga goals in the last three seasons, which trails only Robert Lewandowski in that span. Norway should cruise to an easy victory here.
How to Watch Iraq vs. Norway
- When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Boston Stadium, Boston, MA
- TV: FOX
- Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App
Let’s take a look at some other bets for the match.
Anytime Goalscorer Props
- Erling Haaland: -235 (bet $10 to win $14.26 total)
- Alexander Sørloth: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
- Jørgen Strand Larsen: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
- Jens Petter Hauge: +190 (bet $10 to win $29 total)
- Kristian Thorstvedt: +245 (bet $10 to win $34.50 total)
- Aymen Hussein: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Tie No Bet
- Iraq: +1060 (bet $10 to win $116 total)
- Norway: -3500 (bet $10 to win $10.29 total)
Both Teams to Score
- Yes: +152 (bet $10 to win $25.20 total)
- No: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
