NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Iraq and Norway meet Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough for their FIFA World Cup Group I opener. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET, and this is a huge spot for both sides, though for very different reasons. Iraq are back on the World Cup stage for the first time in 40 years, while Norway return for the first time since 1998 with real knockout-stage expectations.
Group I also includes France and Senegal, which makes this opener even more important for Norway. If they want to be more than a fun dark-horse story, this is the match they need to take care of. Three points are expected, and goal difference may matter if the group gets tight later.
Iraq are priced like a major underdog, and that is fair. Still, tournament openers can be strange. Graham Arnold’s side need to stay compact, limit Norway’s transition chances, and make the favorite work through a crowded penalty area. If this gets stretched, Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard can turn it ugly quickly.
Get soccer picks before kickoff.
Follow our experts.
Iraq vs Norway Odds
These are the current 3-way betting lines for Iraq vs Norway, with the draw priced around +600. Bettors should always monitor the latest soccer odds before locking in a World Cup wager.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | +1225 | +1.5 (+130) | O 2.5 (-167) |
| Norway | -510 | -1.5 (-160) | U 2.5 (+136) |
Iraq Betting Form
Iraq’s best argument is defensive organization. They are not going to win this match by trading chances with Norway, and they know it. The most realistic plan is a compact block, protection in front of the center backs, and quick outlets through the wide players when Norway push numbers high.
The recent results show some competitiveness, but also the limit. Iraq drew Spain 1-1 in a tune-up, beat Andorra 1-0 and Bolivia 2-1, then lost 2-0 to Venezuela. That Venezuela match is the one bettors should probably keep in mind. When Iraq cannot get pressure relief, they can spend too much time defending their own box.
From a betting angle, Iraq +1.5 has some appeal only because World Cup openers can start cautiously. But at plus money, it still asks Iraq to avoid a two-goal defeat against one of the most dangerous attacks in the tournament. The moneyline is a lottery ticket. The more practical Iraq angle would be set-piece props or a first-half spread, if available.
Norway Betting Form
Norway are not priced this short by accident. They have Haaland, Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, and enough balance to control this matchup from the opening whistle. The attacking ceiling is obvious, but the key is that Norway are not only built around one player.
Haaland will attract the most attention, and he should. Iraq’s center backs have to track him in the box, defend him on early crosses, and avoid getting pinned too deep. But Ødegaard may be just as important from a betting perspective because Iraq are likely to sit low. Norway need patience, final-third timing, and clean passing angles around the box.
The concern is mostly price. Norway moneyline is too expensive for most bettors, and the market has already adjusted for the talent gap. The better debate is Norway -1.5. If they score first, Iraq have a real problem because the underdog cannot open up without giving Haaland and Sørloth more space.
Iraq vs Norway Matchup Breakdown
This should be attack against resistance. Norway will likely dominate possession, push Iraq into a low block, and use width to create crossing lanes and cutback chances. Iraq need to make those attacks predictable. If Norway can combine centrally through Ødegaard, the pressure will become much harder to survive.
Iraq’s midfield has to win second balls. That sounds basic, but it is probably the match. If Iraq clear the first cross and Norway collect every loose ball, the game turns into wave after wave of pressure. That is where the favorite can create not only shots, but high-quality chances.
Set pieces also lean Norway. Haaland and Sørloth give them size, and Ødegaard’s delivery gives every corner or wide free kick value. Iraq can compete physically, but they cannot afford cheap fouls near the box. Even one or two bad restarts could be enough to break the match open.
The game state points toward Norway control. Iraq would be thrilled with 0-0 after 30 minutes, but Norway should not panic if that happens. They have enough technical quality to keep moving the block, and the bench gives Solbakken options if the match gets stuck. For bettors comparing the moneyline, handicap, and total, the expert betting guide is useful for thinking through why laying a heavy favorite is not always the same as finding value.
Iraq vs Norway Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Norway strongly, but the moneyline is not the bet. At this price, you are paying for the obvious. Norway should win, and they should create the better chances, but there is not much value in laying more than five dollars to win one in a World Cup opener.
The handicap is more appealing. Norway -1.5 at -160 is not cheap, but it fits the most likely match script. Iraq can defend deep for a while, perhaps even make the first half slightly uncomfortable, but Norway’s attacking depth should eventually wear them down. Once the first goal arrives, Iraq’s cover becomes fragile.
The total is tougher. Over 2.5 is juiced because Norway can score three by themselves, and that is a fair read. But I would rather attach the bet to Norway’s superiority than rely on Iraq helping the total. A 2-0 Norway win loses the Over but still fits the handicap push if playing an alternate number. At -1.5, the target is clear.
BTTS does not interest me much. Iraq may create a few set-piece moments, and maybe one counter if Norway get loose, but the cleaner projection is Norway territory, Norway shot volume, and Norway pressure eventually turning into margin.
Projected Score: Norway 3, Iraq 0.
Best Bet: Norway -1.5 (-160).
Bet soccer with confidence.
See top handicappers.
FIFA World Cup Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
World Cup betting can get crowded fast, especially when a popular favorite has a superstar scorer. Checking today’s soccer picks helps bettors compare expert opinions across sides, totals, props, and derivative markets before locking into a number.
ScoresAndStats gives readers access to top sports handicappers with different soccer betting styles. Some experts may focus on favorites and team totals, while others may be stronger with underdogs, Asian handicaps, BTTS, or player props during international tournaments.
The handicapper leaderboard adds transparency with long-term records and profit tracking. Bettors who want more than the free board can also look at premium soccer picks for expert plays across the World Cup card, while the best soccer bets this week page is useful for tracking broader betting angles.
