Norway scored a European-high 37 goals in World Cup qualifying
Iraq have never avoided defeat in a World Cup game.
Recommended bet: Norway over 2.5 team goals @ 17/20
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Iraq and Norway return to the World Cup stage for the first time this millennium when they lock horns in Foxborough on Tuesday, with a star-studded Red, White and Blue looking to begin proceedings with a win.
Underdogs Iraq have not played in the World Cup since 1986, when they lost all three group games and, after being drawn alongside France, Senegal and Norway, it would not be a surprise if that happened again.
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Team news
Former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal is expected to start in midfield for Iraq, while Aymen Hussein will be looking to add to his goals tally, starting up front alongside Ipswich’s Ali Al-Hamadi.
Norway have one of the most dangerous attacking lineups in world football, with Erling Haaland set to spearhead the Red, White and Blue in his World Cup debut.
Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth will flank Haaland, with RB Leipzig youngster Antonio Nusa another option. Behind them, Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard captains the side.
The stats
Iraq have been beaten by Algeria, Jordan and Venezuela since December.
The Lions of Mesopotamia have failed to score in each of these defeats.
Norway won all eight of their World Cup qualifying matches.
The Red, White and Blue averaged 4.63 goals per game across this period.
Star striker Erling Haaland netted 16 goals in qualifying.
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Prediction
After 18 years off the World Cup stage, Norway qualified for the 2026 edition in style as they won all eight qualifying games and scored a European-high 37 goals in the process.
Spearheaded by Manchester City star Haaland, who scored 16 goals in qualifying, Stale Solbakken’s side will be hoping for a strong showing in a tough Group I, and a win over heavy underdogs Iraq would get them off to a perfect start.
Iraq did pick up a draw against a rotated Spain in the first of their warm-up friendlies, but they followed that with a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela and have also lost against Jordan and Algeria in their last six games.
Norway put three past Sweden in their first friendly and scored at least three goals in seven of their eight qualifying fixtures, including in both meetings with Italy.
With goal difference potentially coming into play later in the competition, Norway will want to make a statement on Tuesday and look good value to bag a few goals.
Score prediction: Iraq 0-3 Norway
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