Iraq Takes On Norway in World Cup Clash: Key Predictions, Tactical Breakdown, and Expected Lineups

Following a commanding qualifying campaign, Norway makes its first 21st-century World Cup appearance against playoff qualifiers Iraq at Gillette Stadium.

The convincing manner in which they secured their place in North America this summer has made Norway a favored dark-horse selection among analysts, and they'll have the opportunity to make an early statement against relatively modest opposition.

Iraq was, notably, the last nation to secure a World Cup berth. The Middle Eastern country hasn't appeared on soccer's biggest stage since 1986, though its coach, Graham Arnold, guided Australia to a Round of 16 finish in Qatar three-and-a-half years ago.

However, the seasoned manager will need to work something close to a miracle if Iraq is to enjoy a prolonged run at this summer's tournament. They've been drawn into the 'Group of Death' alongside France and Senegal, with a clash against Les Bleus looming next.

Both sides must be eager to get going after their lengthy absences, and Iraq risk being overwhelmed by the irresistible Scandinavians at the home of the New England Patriots.

Iraq vs. Norway Score Prediction

No Issues for Norwegians

While Norway required eight matches and eight victories to reach its first World Cup since 1998, Iraq endured 21 games in its qualifying journey. Graham Arnold's side defeated Bolivia in the inter-confederation playoffs to seal their spot.

They lost all three fixtures back in 1986—Iraq's sole World Cup appearance—and Arnold will consider any improvement on that record, given the quality of their three group stage opponents, a significant achievement.

Survival may well be the primary objective in North America, while their opening opponent, Norway, facing an AFC side for the first time at the World Cup, is eager to demonstrate they are a genuine contender ahead of far more demanding tests.

Prediction: Iraq 0–3 Norway

Iraq Predicted Lineup vs. Norway

Graham Arnold began with a 4-3-3 formation when he took charge with Iraqi soccer at a low point a year ago, and has since shaped his team into a resilient unit that operates with two forwards.

A pair of lively young strikers are expected to lead the line on Tuesday, Ali Al-Hamadi and Al Jasim. The former has netted five goals across 19 international appearances and has spent his entire career within the English Football League (EFL). Jasim, meanwhile, is registered with Como.

Aymen Hussein's goal against Bolivia in March sent Iraq to its first World Cup in 40 years, and he remains another option for Arnold this summer. 22-year-old winger Marko Farji is also a player worth watching.

Iraq predicted lineup vs. Norway (4-4-2): Hassan; Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Bayesh, Ismael, Al-Ammari, Farji; Al-Hamadi, Jasim.

Norway Predicted Lineup vs. Iraq

Norway boasts a fairly consistent starting eleven. Solbakken prefers an asymmetric 4-3-3 that enables Alexander Sørloth to play alongside Erling Haaland in attack, with attacking width on the right provided by fullback Julian Ryerson.

Ryerson enjoyed an exceptionally productive season with Borussia Dortmund, registering 15 Bundesliga assists. His delivery from wide areas is a potent weapon for this Norway side, particularly with two towering forwards up front.

RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa provides individual brilliance down the left flank, and the midfield features a well-balanced mix of profiles. Martin Ødegaard will skipper his nation in North America this summer, while Fulham's Sander Berge will anchor the midfield.

Norway predicted lineup vs. Iraq (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.

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James Cormack is a freelance soccer writer for Sports Illustrated FC. An expert on Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, he covers Italian and German soccer, with a particular focus on the work of Antonio Conte & Julian Nagelsmann.