Norway face Iraq on Tuesday 16 June 2026 in a Group I fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, staged at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Both sides arrive as first-time or returning participants in a pool topped by France and Senegal, making this potentially decisive for second-place hopes.
What is FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of football’s flagship men’s tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It is the first World Cup played with 48 teams, organised into 12 groups of four. The top two nations per group advance directly to the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-placed finishers, making a 32-team last-32 round.
Group I features France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. Given the profile of France and Senegal, the Norway-Iraq meeting could prove decisive for which team takes second.
When is Norway vs Iraq?
Norway vs Iraq kicks off at 18:00 ET (23:00 BST) on Tuesday 16 June 2026, following the earlier Senegal vs France fixture at MetLife Stadium.
Where is Norway vs Iraq?
The match is played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and MLS side New England Revolution, the stadium holds around 65,000 for the World Cup and is one of 11 US host venues. The recently expanded venue offers improved facilities and sightlines for the tournament.
Key Contenders
Norway finally ended their lengthy World Cup absence, qualifying for their first finals appearance since 1998. Under Stale Solbakken, the squad is built around Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, one of the most potent attacking axes in world football. Norway are considered one of the most exciting outside bets of the tournament and will fancy their chances of advancing from Group I.
Iraq qualified for their first World Cup since 1986, a remarkable achievement after years of near misses in AFC qualifying. The Lions of Mesopotamia are a physically strong, well-organised side with the talismanic Aymen Hussein leading the line. Qualification itself is a landmark, and any points picked up in the group stage would be a major bonus for Iraqi football.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch live on BBC or ITV as part of the broadcasters’ shared World Cup coverage. In the United States, Fox Sports carries English-language coverage and Telemundo carries Spanish-language broadcasting. TSN and CTV share Canadian rights. Norwegian viewers can watch on NRK and TV2, while Iraqi rights are handled by regional MENA broadcasters listed on FIFA.com.
History and Records
Norway and Iraq have no previous World Cup meetings. Norway’s best World Cup run came in 1998 when they reached the round of 16 in France. Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986, where they exited at the group stage, though they did win the AFC Asian Cup in 2007.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are available via FIFA’s official portal at FIFA.com/tickets. Group-stage prices start from around 60 US dollars with higher categories and hospitality packages available. Resale is handled through FIFA’s official resale platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Norway vs Iraq start?
The match kicks off at 18:00 ET (23:00 BST) on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Where is Norway vs Iraq being held?
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
How can I watch Norway vs Iraq?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox and Telemundo in the US, TSN and CTV in Canada, NRK and TV2 in Norway.
Have Norway and Iraq met at a World Cup before?
No. This is the first senior World Cup meeting between the two nations.