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
The result gave Graham Arnold's side control from the 29th minute onward, while Staale Solbakken's team were left to chase after the gap opened up again before the break. For fans in Norway, the match was another reminder that the first night of this campaign had turned on fine margins in both penalty areas and on the scoreboard.
The rhythm of the contest changed first at 29 when Norway struck through a goal, only for Iraq to answer at 39 and then move back in front at 43. Instead, Iraq kept building the result with a goal at 76 and another at 90, turning a tight contest into a clear away win by the final whistle. The scoreline was harsh on Norway's early response, but it was fully shaped by Iraq's ability to keep landing the next blow.
Match picture
The tactical split was visible in the formations alone, with Iraq set up in a 4-4-2 and Norway in a 4-3-3. That shape battle fit the flow of the evening at Gillette Stadium, where Iraq's two-goal cushion before half-time gave them the freedom to manage space and the score after the interval. Norway's 4-3-3 looked built to stretch the game, but the decisive moments belonged to Iraq whenever the match opened up. The attendance of 63106 underlined the scale of the occasion, and the late yellow card for a home player at 86 only reflected how much pressure had built as the clock ran down.
The only card in the match came for the home side at 86, and that detail fitted a night in which Norway were forced into recovery mode rather than dictating the terms. With Norway now on 0 points and France on 3, the 3-point gap at the top of the table already shaped the early picture in World Cup Group I. That gap gave the result added weight beyond the final score, because Norway were immediately chasing the side that had already set the pace in Round 1.
For fans in Norway, the next step in World Cup Group I will be about turning the opening pressure into points, because the gap to France is already a live part of the story after Round 1.
Pre-Match Analysis · Full Time
World Cup Group I begins with Iraq and Norway meeting in Round 1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough,MA, and the opening stakes are clear: both sides start on 0 points, with Iraq in 2 and Norway in 3. For Norway fans, this will be the first chance to see Staale Solbakken's team in the section, while Graham Arnold's Iraq will try to use home status to set the tone in a group that already has France leading on 0. With the kickoff set for Wednesday 17 June, 00:00 CEST, readers in Norway will be watching a fixture that can shape the first feeling of the campaign before either team has played a ball.
On paper, the table gives Iraq the smaller headline edge. They sit 2, one place ahead of Norway's 3, but the points column shows both on 0, and that makes this an early test of control rather than recovery. Iraq have not yet played a league match, which means their opening performance under Graham Arnold will carry immediate weight. Norway are in the same position, and Staale Solbakken's side will arrive with the same clean slate, the same 0 goal difference, and the same chance to leave Massachusetts with the kind of start that can settle a group before the middle weeks arrive.
That is why the setting matters as much as the standings. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough,MA gives the match a defined stage, while the Norwegian kickoff time of Wednesday 17 June, 00:00 CEST makes this a late-night watch for fans in Norway. TV 2 and Discovery+ are the listed viewing options, so the match will sit squarely in the Norwegian football routine. In a group where France are already first and Iraq are second on 0 points, every early result will be read through the lens of momentum, and Norway supporters will be looking for a performance that makes their team relevant from the opening round.
The numbers attached to both teams are almost identical, which is exactly what gives this meeting its edge. Iraq have 0 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, 0 goals for and 0 goals against, while Norway arrive with the same 0 in each of those columns. That symmetry leaves room for the smallest detail to matter, from how quickly either side settles into possession to how well each coach manages the first pressure of World Cup Group I Round 1. When teams begin with matching profiles like this, the first goal, the first sustained spell, and the first defensive test can change the tone of the whole section.
There is no need to force more than the table allows. Iraq's place in 2 and Norway's place in 3 are the only ranking clues, and the shared 0 points make the matchup feel like a clean starting line rather than a verdict on either side. That is especially true in a group setting, where the opening match often frames how later results are judged. For Norway, the value is obvious: a positive start would give Solbakken's team an early foothold, while Iraq can use the same fixture to defend their own position above Norway and keep pace with France at the top of the section.
The broad picture, then, is simple. This is World Cup Group I Round 1 at Gillette Stadium, a first-step match between sides separated by place but not by points, goals or results. Norway's supporters will want that equality to end quickly, and Iraq will see the same numbers as proof that control is there for the taking. With the group still untouched and the kickoff fixed for Wednesday 17 June, 00:00 CEST, the opening frame is set for a result that could matter well beyond the first night.
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 Norway have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Norway broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Kickoff in Norway is at 00:00 CEST on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Local broadcast partners for Norway have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Norway broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
No injuries or suspensions are listed for Iraq or Norway.
In the last eight meetings, Iraq have 0 wins, there have been 0 draws, and Norway have 0 wins.
This is World Cup Group I, Round 1, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough,MA, USA.
Status
Finished
Attendance
63,106
Minute
90+6'
Winner
Norway
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