Round 1 ·
Iraq
4-4-2
Graham Arnold
HT: 1-2
Norway
4-3-3
Staale Solbakken
WinnerUpdated:
Half Time
1–2
90 Min
1–4
Goal Scorers
Assists
Ball Possession
Corners
Counter Attacks
Fouls
Free Kicks
Goal Attempts
Goal Kicks
Goals
Offsides
Red Cards
Saves
Shots Off Target
Shots On Target
Substitutions
Throws In
Treatments
Yellow Cards
Attacks
Dangerous Attacks
Total Passes
Iraq
4-4-2 · Graham Arnold
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Norway
4-3-3 · Staale Solbakken
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Post-Match Analysis · Full Time
For fans in Guernsey following at Tuesday 16 June, 23:00 BST, the match turned on Norway's response to Iraq's equaliser and the way Staale Solbakken's team kept finding a way through the final third. Graham Arnold's side had moments, but the Away team were sharper after the break and stronger when the game opened up.
The scoring began in the 29th minute when Norway struck first, before Iraq levelled in the 39th minute to briefly change the tone. That sequence mattered because the first 45 minutes already showed the pattern of the match: Iraq could get a foothold, but Norway were more decisive once they reached the attacking areas.
The second half settled the outcome. Iraq's only card of the night came in the 86th minute, a small sign of how much pressure they were under as the game moved away from them.
Match texture at Gillette Stadium was shaped by the setting as much as the score. Attendance was 63106, and the game was played in Foxborough,MA, a stage that gave Norway space to settle after the early exchange of goals. The result also underlined the contrast between the two coaches: Staale Solbakken's side kept their rhythm after each momentum shift, while Graham Arnold's Iraq never found a way to stop the Away team's next push. For Guernsey readers, the late finish fit a fixture that was always going to reward anyone tracking the result across the night.
That standing matters because the gap to France is 3 points, with France on 3 and Norway on 0, so this result will feed directly into the shape of the group rather than just the night itself. For supporters in Guernsey, the takeaway was simple: Norway were the more reliable side when the pressure rose.
This finished as a clear Away win in World Cup Group I Round 1, and Norway's response after Iraq's equaliser was the defining theme from the 43rd minute onward. The next step in the group will now be shaped by that 3-point gap to France and the way both coaches react to a result decided by sustained pressure rather than one isolated moment.
Pre-Match Analysis · Full Time
Iraq and Norway will meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough,MA with both sides starting on 0 points, but the table already gives the fixture a clear edge of interest. Iraq are listed 2nd and Norway 3rd in World Cup Group I Round 1, and that small split will shape the tone from the first whistle. For Guernsey fans, the Tuesday 16 June, 23:00 BST kickoff gives a late-night window to watch a game that could set the rhythm for the group before either side has played a minute.
The standings also tell their own story. Iraq arrive level on 0 wins, 0 draws and 0 losses, with 0 goals for, 0 goals against and a goal difference of 0, while Norway carry the same numbers in every category. That leaves the matchup balanced on paper, but the ranking places Iraq above Norway and gives Graham Arnold's side the cleaner starting line. With Staale Solbakken in charge of Norway, both coaches will be trying to turn a blank opening into early control rather than chasing the game from behind.
There is extra context above the immediate matchup because France are top, Iraq are 2nd and Norway sit 3rd, with the second-place gap at 0 points. That makes this one about more than just the opening fixture: it is a direct chance for Iraq to defend their position and for Norway to close the gap before the group settles. In a section where every point counts, even a first-round result at Gillette Stadium can influence how the table looks once the rest of World Cup Group I begins to take shape.
The venue adds another layer. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough,MA is the setting for a meeting that will be judged as much by control and discipline as by attacking flashes, because neither side has any goals scored or conceded to lean on yet. For readers in Guernsey, that means a clear focus on the shape of the contest rather than any past output: Iraq's 2nd-place label, Norway's 3rd-place start, and the 0-point landscape make the opening hour especially important. Sky / TNT (UK) is the listed watch option for viewers who want a direct route into the game.
Graham Arnold and Staale Solbakken therefore face the same problem from different angles: how to make the first match count when the numbers are still empty. Iraq's 2nd-place standing gives them a slight psychological edge, while Norway's 3rd-place start keeps the pressure on to respond immediately. With both teams on 0 league points, there is no buffer and no margin to waste, especially in a competition labelled World Cup Group I and a round named Round 1. That combination should make the opening period cautious but meaningful, with the first breakthrough likely to matter more than the final whistle in the early table picture.
For Guernsey fans, this is the kind of first-round contest that can define the feel of the group before anyone has scored or conceded, and the opening result should immediately sharpen the race around 2nd place.
That's it! The referee blows the final whistle
Ball possession: Iraq: 39%, Norway: 61%.
GOAL STANDS! - After reviewing the situation, the referee decides that the goal for Norway stands.
VAR - GOAL! - The referee has stopped the play. VAR check in progress, a potential goal for Norway.
OWN GOAL - Ayman Hussein sends the ball into his own net!
G O O O A A A L - Ayman Hussein holds his head in his hands as he puts the ball past his own goalkeeper!
The cross by Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer from Norway successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Mustafa Saadoun from Iraq goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Erling Haaland
Mustafa Saadoun is penalised for pushing Andreas Schjelderup
Kristian Thorstvedt relieves the pressure with a clearance
The referee signals a free kick as Julian Ryerson from Norway trips Marko Lawk Farji
Iraq are in control of the ball.
The match resumes with a drop ball
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Goal kick for Iraq
Kristian Thorstvedt from Norway sends an effort wide of target
Kristian Thorstvedt goes for goal, but the shot lacks precision and sails wide
Space opens up for Kristian Thorstvedt but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
Chance! Kristian Thorstvedt finds some room for a shot but fails to work the keeper. It's a goal kick
Zaid Tahseen relieves the pressure with a clearance
The fourth official shows there are 6 minute(s) of time to be added
Ball possession: Iraq: 40%, Norway: 60%.
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Akam Hashem relieves the pressure with a clearance
Zaid Tahseen relieves the pressure with a clearance
Leo Oestigard relieves the pressure with a clearance
Mustafa Saadoun makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Norway are trying to create something here.
Ahmed Qasem makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Sander Berge makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Safe hands from Jalal Hassan as he comes out and claims the ball
After a tactical foul, Zaid Tahseen sees no other way than stopping the counter and receives a yellow card.
Zaid Tahseen from Iraq goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Erling Haaland
Sander Berge relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Iraq: 40%, Norway: 60%.
Today's attendance is 63106
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Norway are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Iraq
Julian Ryerson makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Akam Hashem could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Good effort by Erling Haaland as he directs a shot on target, but Jalal Hassan saves it
Erling Haaland makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Goal kick for Iraq
A chance presents itself to Leo Oestigard from Norway but his header goes wide
The cross by Julian Ryerson from Norway successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Zaid Tahseen from Iraq goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Erling Haaland
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Martin Oedegaard is leaving the field to be replaced by Patrick Berg in a tactical substitution.
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 40%, Norway: 60%.
Norway are in control of the ball.
Erling Haaland is penalised for pushing Zaid Tahseen
The referee signals a free kick as Martin Oedegaard from Norway trips Merchas Doski
Ibrahim Bayesh is leaving the field to be replaced by Mohanad Ali in a tactical substitution.
Martin Oedegaard provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Leo Oestigard Norway scores with a header.
Martin Oedegaard from Norway swings in the corner from the right.
Merchas Doski successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Kristian Thorstvedt is blocked
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 42%, Norway: 58%.
Norway are trying to create something here.
The match resumes with a drop ball
Hussein Ali is leaving the field to be replaced by Mustafa Saadoun in a tactical substitution.
Ali Jasim is coming out with a knock and is replaced by Ahmed Qasem.
Alexander Soerloth is leaving the field to be replaced by Oscar Bobb in a tactical substitution.
David Moeller Wolfe is leaving the field to be replaced by Leo Oestigard in a tactical substitution.
Fredrik Aursnes is leaving the field to be replaced by Kristian Thorstvedt in a tactical substitution.
Antonio Nusa is leaving the field to be replaced by Andreas Schjelderup in a tactical substitution.
Ball possession: Iraq: 42%, Norway: 58%.
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Merchas Doski makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Norway are in control of the ball.
Ayman Hussein relieves the pressure with a clearance
Julian Ryerson from Norway takes a short corner kick from the left.
The game is restarted
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Hussein Ali relieves the pressure with a clearance
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 42%, Norway: 58%.
Goal kick for Norway
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Alexander Soerloth is penalised for pushing Merchas Doski
Goal kick for Norway
Hussein Ali from Iraq fails to connect properly on the volley and sends the ball wide of target
The cross by Merchas Doski from Iraq successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Iraq are in control of the ball.
Iraq take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
David Moeller Wolfe relieves the pressure with a clearance
Iraq are trying to create something here.
Akam Hashem from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 41%, Norway: 59%.
The game is restarted
Ali Al Hamadi is leaving the field to be replaced by Marko Lawk Farji in a tactical substitution.
Zaid Ismael is leaving the field to be replaced by Zidane Iqbal in a tactical substitution.
Ali Jasim is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Antonio Nusa relieves the pressure with a clearance
Antonio Nusa wins an air challenge against Ali Jasim
Zaid Ismael from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Julian Ryerson swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Akam Hashem from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The cross by Julian Ryerson from Norway successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Amir Al-Ammari relieves the pressure with a clearance
A player from Norway takes a long throw into the opponent's box
Ball possession: Iraq: 42%, Norway: 58%.
Akam Hashem relieves the pressure with a clearance
Hussein Ali from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Hussein Ali from Iraq trips Antonio Nusa
The referee signals a free kick as Amir Al-Ammari from Iraq trips Martin Oedegaard
Goal kick for Norway
A chance presents itself to Ayman Hussein from Iraq but his header goes wide
The cross by Ibrahim Bayesh from Iraq successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer relieves the pressure with a clearance
Merchas Doski makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Iraq take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ali Jasim makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 41%, Norway: 59%.
Iraq take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ayman Hussein is penalised for pushing David Moeller Wolfe
Goal kick for Iraq
Hussein Ali from Iraq is ruled offside
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer wins an air challenge against Ayman Hussein
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Fredrik Aursnes makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Amir Al-Ammari relieves the pressure with a clearance
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
The second half is underway
It's over! The referee blows for half time
Ball possession: Iraq: 39%, Norway: 61%.
Akam Hashem from Iraq tries to score from outside the penalty box. Unfortunately the effort is just outside the frame. Close!
Erling Haaland from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Torbjoern Lysaker Heggem from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ali Jasim swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Ali Al Hamadi is blocked
Zaid Ismael makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Norway are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Norway
A chance presents itself to Zaid Tahseen from Iraq but his header goes wide
Zaid Tahseen wins an air challenge against Alexander Soerloth
Amir Al-Ammari from Iraq swings in the corner from the right.
David Moeller Wolfe successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Ibrahim Bayesh is blocked
A chance presents itself to Ali Al Hamadi from Iraq but his header goes wide
The cross by Merchas Doski from Iraq successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Sander Berge from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ayman Hussein wins an air challenge against Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer
Erling Haaland is penalised for pushing Akam Hashem
David Moeller Wolfe is penalised for pushing Zaid Tahseen
Sander Berge makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The fourth official shows there are 5 minute(s) of time to be added
Zaid Ismael relieves the pressure with a clearance
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer relieves the pressure with a clearance
Merchas Doski relieves the pressure with a clearance
David Moeller Wolfe makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Iraq: 38%, Norway: 62%.
Zaid Ismael hand-balls
Zaid Ismael controls the ball with his hand
Jalal Hassan with a bad execution which leads to a goal for the opponent
Erling Haaland managed to score from an easy position.
G O O O O O A A L - Erling Haaland finds the net with the right foot!
Good effort by Erling Haaland as he directs a shot on target, but Jalal Hassan saves it
Zaid Tahseen could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Goal kick for Iraq
Julian Ryerson makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Merchas Doski makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer wins an air challenge against Ali Al Hamadi
Zaid Tahseen relieves the pressure with a clearance
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Hussein Ali relieves the pressure with a clearance
Zaid Tahseen from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Zaid Ismael makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Norway are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Iraq: 40%, Norway: 60%.
Ali Jasim made the key pass for the goal!
Amir Al-Ammari provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Ayman Hussein Iraq scores with a header.
Amir Al-Ammari creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Iraq are trying to create something here.
Zaid Ismael makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Zaid Ismael wins an air challenge against Erling Haaland
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The referee signals a free kick as Alexander Soerloth from Norway trips Merchas Doski
Goal kick for Iraq
Zaid Tahseen could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Martin Oedegaard fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Fredrik Aursnes relieves the pressure with a clearance
David Moeller Wolfe is penalised for pushing Ibrahim Bayesh
Goal kick for Iraq
Ayman Hussein is penalised for pushing Alexander Soerloth
Alexander Soerloth makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Iraq: 37%, Norway: 63%.
Julian Ryerson from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Akam Hashem relieves the pressure with a clearance
Zaid Ismael wins an air challenge against Fredrik Aursnes
Obstruction as Sander Berge cuts off the run of Jalal Hassan. A free-kick is awarded.
Jalal Hassan from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Julian Ryerson swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
The game is restarted
Play has been stopped while the referee talks to the players.
Hussein Ali from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Zaid Tahseen successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Alexander Soerloth is blocked
Norway start a counter attack
Fredrik Aursnes from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Torbjoern Lysaker Heggem from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Iraq are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Iraq: 38%, Norway: 62%.
Goal kick for Norway
Antonio Nusa made the key pass for the goal!
David Moeller Wolfe provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Erling Haaland from Norway taps the ball in with the left! An easy finish for Erling Haaland
David Moeller Wolfe creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Norway are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for Norway
Zaid Tahseen from Iraq tries to score from outside the penalty box, but the shot is nowhere near the target.
Akam Hashem wins an air challenge against Julian Ryerson
The cross by Amir Al-Ammari from Iraq successfully finds a teammate in the box.
The game is restarted
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Ball possession: Iraq: 38%, Norway: 62%.
The referee signals a free kick as David Moeller Wolfe from Norway trips Ibrahim Bayesh
Hussein Ali wins an air challenge against Antonio Nusa
Alexander Soerloth from Norway heads towards goal but sees his effort blocked.
The cross by Julian Ryerson from Norway successfully finds a teammate in the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Zaid Ismael from Iraq trips Antonio Nusa
Safe hands from Jalal Hassan as he comes out and claims the ball
Norway are in control of the ball.
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer wins an air challenge against Ayman Hussein
Goal kick for Iraq
Ball possession: Iraq: 38%, Norway: 62%.
A chance presents itself to Erling Haaland from Norway but his header goes wide
Julian Ryerson from Norway swings in the corner from the left.
Ibrahim Bayesh relieves the pressure with a clearance
Norway are in control of the ball.
Zaid Ismael makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Merchas Doski makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Dangerous challenge by Zaid Tahseen from Iraq. Sander Berge on the receiving end of that.
Ibrahim Bayesh wins an air challenge against David Moeller Wolfe
Goal kick for Iraq
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 43%, Norway: 57%.
Norway are in control of the ball.
Jalal Hassan relieves the pressure with a clearance
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Zaid Tahseen relieves the pressure with a clearance
Goal kick for Norway
Ali Al Hamadi from Iraq sends an effort wide of target
Ali Al Hamadi goes for goal, but the shot lacks precision and sails wide
Space opens up for Ali Al Hamadi but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
Chance! Ali Al Hamadi finds some room for a shot but fails to work the keeper. It's a goal kick
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Zaid Ismael makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Jalal Hassan from Iraq intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Norway take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Merchas Doski relieves the pressure with a clearance
David Moeller Wolfe relieves the pressure with a clearance
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Iraq: 51%, Norway: 49%.
Ali Al Hamadi from Iraq goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer
Goal kick for Norway
Iraq take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Iraq take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer from Norway intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Julian Ryerson from Norway trips Merchas Doski
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Safe hands from Jalal Hassan as he comes out and claims the ball
Erling Haaland makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ayman Hussein wins an air challenge against Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer
Alexander Soerloth is penalised for pushing Akam Hashem
Goal kick for Norway
A chance presents itself to Ayman Hussein from Iraq but his header goes wide
Ayman Hussein wins an air challenge against Fredrik Aursnes
The cross by Amir Al-Ammari from Iraq successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Ball possession: Iraq: 42%, Norway: 58%.
Torbjoern Lysaker Heggem from Norway goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Ayman Hussein
Ibrahim Bayesh wins an air challenge against David Moeller Wolfe
Goal kick for Iraq
Merchas Doski makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Julian Ryerson relieves the pressure with a clearance
Iraq take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Oerjan Haaskjold Nyland relieves the pressure with a clearance
Safe hands from Jalal Hassan as he comes out and claims the ball
Norway are in control of the ball.
Amir Al-Ammari wins an air challenge against Alexander Soerloth
Iraq take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Safe hands from Oerjan Haaskjold Nyland as he comes out and claims the ball
Norway take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
It's a nice warm day for playing football.
Iraq kick-off, and the game is underway.
The referee starts the match
Welcome to Gillette Stadium, the match will start in about 5 minutes.
Welcome to Gillette Stadium where the two teams take the field for the start of this match.
Welcome to Gillette Stadium where we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two teams
Welcome to Gillette Stadium, where we await the arrival of today's teams.
Welcome to Gillette Stadium, now all we need are the two teams.
Welcome to today's crucial game from Gillette Stadium. We are awaiting the arrival of both teams, in anticipation of a great match!
Local broadcast partners for Guernsey have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Guernsey broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Kick-off in Guernsey is at 23:00 BST on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Local broadcast partners for Guernsey have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Guernsey broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
No injuries or suspensions are listed for Iraq or Norway at the time of writing.
Iraq and Norway have not recorded a win, draw, or loss against each other in the last 8 meetings, according to the available head-to-head summary.
This is World Cup Group I, Round 1, at Gillette Stadium in USA.
Status
Finished
Attendance
63,106
Minute
90+6'
Winner
Norway
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