Erling Haaland of Norway warms up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Iraq and Norway at Boston Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

Norway captain Martin Odegaard says he has ⁠no concerns about his fitness ahead of his side’s opening World Cup Group I match in Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 16, 2026, ‌his nation’s first game at the finals since 1998. With Erling Haaland scoring the goals and ‌Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Norway have ‌made ⁠their way back to the top table ⁠of global football, but a run of injuries early in the year raised questions over the health of the midfielder who recently won the English Premier ‌League title with Arsenal.

Iraq features a balanced blend of experienced and rising European-based talents. Iraq have Ali Al-Hamadi, Aymen Hussein, Zidane Iqbal, Amir Al-Ammari and Ali Jassim in its ranks. Norway has dynamic young wingers and dependable defenders. The team has Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa, Julian Ryerson and Oscar Bobb which will give Norway a slight edge over Iraq.

Follow for LIVE updates