This Group I clash of Iraq vs Norway wasn’t all about Erling Haaland, but it must come pretty close. Haaland has been scoring goals for fun for various teams and various competitions for years, including World Cup qualifying where he scored 16. But the question on whether he will score at an actual World Cup has been answered with an emphatic yes. He scored two goals, Norway four as they beat Iraq 4-1 in a game where both countries were making a long awaited return to the tournament.
The other interesting points from the game was the fans, with videos going viral of their rowing in the stands and at train stations, and their glorious playing kit.
This Iraq vs Norway Match Centre Express Summary has just enough stats and colour from game to give you a taste of the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash.
Like the John West of Football stats, The Gurgler trawled the internet to find the quickest, easiest stats just for you. To give you just the taste of stats you need to impress friends and/or family.
This Iraq vs Norway Group I clash is a classic who knows World Cup fixture, one with Erling Haaland I’d fancy you wouldn’t go near normally. Iraq were one of the last to qualify for the World Cup but they don’t need more notice about Norway, they should know about the hulking menace they will need to control in Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has scored a million goals this season for club and country and will be a big chance for the golden boot. Iraq are plain unlucky in a group with Norway, France and Senegal.
Iraq vs Norway Preview
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system based on H2H stats, World Cup stats, recent records, qualifying and past World Cup performance is here to make choosing the winner easier, or have something to blame.
| Iraq | 39.6% | Norway | 60.4% |
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
Been a while since these teams have been at a World Cup. It’s 1998 for the last of Norway’s three World Cups and 1986 for Iraq’s only, which was coincidentally in Mexico.
Iraq lost all three games at their only previous World Cup.
Norway’s record at World Cup is W2 D3 L3 – but they are unbeaten against non European nations at the World Cup – W2 D1 and even beat Brazil in 1998.
Norway’s record of opening games at the World Cup is W1 D1 L1, although the L is from 1934 when they only played one game. I think the World Cup would be much more fun if entirely knockout.
Norway won all of their qualifying games, topped the group and scored a combined 37-5. In a group that featured Italy.
Iraq played 21 qualifying games to get to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They won 13, with five draws and three losses. Norway played 8.
Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in Qualifying, which is likely to be more than a few countries entire qualifying totals.
MATCH PREDICTION
IRAQ 0 NORWAY 5
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