Iraq vs Norway Key Stats: FIFA World Cup 2026
by Trystan Pugh ·
Updated
Below you can find key stats for Iraq vs Norway. From historical trends to player milestones, we have you covered for every match at FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada & Mexico!
- This is the first ever meeting between Iraq and Norway, with no previous encounters in either friendly or competitive play.
- Iraq are competing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years, with their only appearance to date having been at Mexico 1986.
- Although they exited after the group stage in the Mexican edition, the Iraqis competed well throughout, losing only by a one-goal margin in their three matches, against Paraguay, Belgium and Mexico.
- The Lions of Mesopotamia advanced to the 2026 finals by overcoming Bolivia 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 26 Play-Off Tournament – they were the 48th and final team to secure qualification.
- This will be Iraq’s second FIFA World Cup encounter against a European team following their 2-1 loss to Belgium in 1986.
- Iraq head coach Graham Arnold led Australia into the round of 16 at Qatar 2022.
- Iraq’s Aimar Sher plays in Norway with Sarpsborg.
- Iraq midfielder Marko Farji was born in Norway and played for Stromsgodset in the Norwegian top flight from 2023-26.
- Much-travelled Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka played in Norway for Elverum in 2016 and 2017.
- Norway are gracing the FIFA World Cup for a fourth time, having previously featured at the editions held in 1938, 1994 and 1998.
- Norway delivered a remarkable campaign en route to the 2026 finals, finishing six points clear of Italy after emphatic victories – 3-0 at home and 4-1 away. They won all eight of their group fixtures, a feat matched only by England in European qualifying. The Norwegians stood out as Europe’s most prolific side, amassing an extraordinary 37 goals.
- Norway’s success in qualifying was spearheaded by Erling Haaland, who emerged as the leading scorer across all confederations with 16 goals. His tally included a stunning five-goal performance in Norway’s comprehensive 11-1 victory over Moldova on 9 September 2025.
- In their last tournament campaign, at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, the Norwegians went unbeaten in the group stage, earning back-to-back draws with Morocco and Scotland before enjoying an unforgettable 2-1 victory over Brazil. Their adventure came to an end at the round of 16 stage following a 1-0 defeat to Italy.
- Remarkably, all three of Norway’s World Cup defeats have come against Italy, each by a one-goal margin: 2-1 in extra time in the opening round in 1938, 1-0 in the group stage of the 1994 edition and 1-0 again in the last 16 at the 1998 tournament.
- Norway have lost only one of their six previous FIFA World Cup group matches (W2 D3).
- This is Norway’s first FIFA World Cup fixture against an AFC team.
- Stale Solbakken becomes the first person to appear for Norway at the FIFA World Cup as both player and head coach; he played at their last finals participation in 1998.
- At 35 years 279 days, Orjan Nyland could become the oldest player to make a FIFA World Cup appearance for Norway, surpassing Henry Johansen, who was 33 years 319 days when he faced Italy on 05/06/1938.
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