Iraq vs Norway Prediction & Betting Tips | 16 June 2026

Match Preview

Iraq and Norway kick off their Group I World Cup journey with what promises to be an engaging contest, as both sides are eager to make a strong start. Considering the wealth of talent at Stale Solbakken's disposal, we're forecasting a 3-1 victory for the visitors. Iraq will undoubtedly be buoyed by their recent 1-1 friendly draw against Spain, a result that demonstrates their capability to challenge top-tier teams. However, the Lions of Mesopotamia face a significant blow with left-back Ahmed Yahya sidelined due to injury for the duration of the tournament. Iraq have shown their mettle lately, suffering just two defeats in their last ten fixtures and keeping clean sheets in most, conceding an average of only 0.8 goals per match. Norway, on the other hand, arrive in buoyant mood, having enjoyed a very positive pre-tournament build-up. The Scandinavians secured a 3-1 win over Sweden and followed it up with a respectable 1-1 draw against Morocco, further testament to their increasing self-belief. The focus will naturally be on their star pairing, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, who are expected to spearhead their attack. Norway have been a thrilling side to watch recently, averaging 3.1 goals scored per game and a combined 3.9 goals per match over their last ten fixtures. Furthermore, they've managed to find the back of the net in nine of those ten games, highlighting their reliable attacking threat. With Norway having secured six wins in their last ten outings and boasting considerably more firepower than Iraq, an Away Win is a sensible consideration. Beyond that, backing Norway to lead at half-time and Erling Haaland to find the net also presents some attractive odds. This World Cup 2026 encounter is scheduled for Tuesday 16 June 2026, with kick-off at 23:00.

Iraq Team Form and Stats

Looking at Iraq's performance over their last 10 fixtures across all competitions, their form reads as a mixed bag: draw, draw, win, win, win, loss, loss, win, win, draw. This yields an average of 1.80 points per game overall.

At home, they've been particularly strong, with a string of wins (win, win, win) and an impressive 3.00 points per game. However, their away form is less convincing, showing draws, draws, a win, losses, losses, a win, a draw, averaging just 1.29 points per game on the road.

Digging into the statistics:

Overall, Iraq have a 50% win rate, scoring an average of 1.90 goals per game, with 1.10 of those being scored and 0.80 conceded. Both Teams To Score (BTTS) has occurred in 50% of their games, and they've kept clean sheets in 30% of matches, failing to find the net in 30%. Their expected goals (xG) stand at 0.91, with expected goals against (xGA) at 1.41.

At home, their win percentage rockets to 100%, with an average of 3.00 goals scored per game. They are clinical, averaging 2.00 goals scored and conceding 1.00. BTTS has been a certainty in 100% of their home games. Interestingly, they haven't kept a clean sheet at home (0%) and have also failed to score in 0% of matches. Their home xG is 1.04, and their home xGA is 1.41.

Away from home, their win percentage drops to 29%. They average 1.43 goals per game, scoring 0.71 and conceding 0.71. BTTS has happened in 29% of their away matches. They've managed to keep clean sheets in 43% of their away fixtures, and conversely, have failed to score in 43% of them. Their away xG is 0.85, with away xGA at 1.41.

Norway Team Form and Stats

Looking at Norway's performance across their last 10 fixtures in all competitions, their recent form is strong. They've secured a solid 2.10 points per game on average overall.

At home, their record is particularly impressive, boasting 2.43 points per game, with a 71% win rate. They average 4.14 goals per game at home, netting 3.57 and conceding just 0.57. Their home BTTS (Both Teams To Score) stands at 57%, and they've kept clean sheets in 43% of their home matches, failing to score in only 14%. Their home Expected Goals (xG) are 2.11, while Expected Goals Against (xGA) are a tight 0.76.

Away from home, Norway have picked up 1.33 points per game, though their win percentage drops to 33%. They average 3.33 goals per game on the road, scoring 2.00 and conceding 1.33. All three of their away matches have seen BTTS, and they haven't kept a clean sheet in those fixtures, nor have they failed to score. Their away xG is 1.15, with an xGA of 1.51.

Overall, Norway's win percentage is 60%, with an average of 3.90 goals per game. They've scored 3.10 on average and conceded 0.80. 70% of their games have seen both teams score, and they've kept clean sheets in 30% of their overall matches, failing to score in 10%. Their overall xG is 1.82, and their overall xGA is 0.98.

Iraq vs Norway Head to Head Statistics (H2H)

There are no prior head-to-head encounters on record for these two clubs.