Iraq and Norway will face againsrt each other in their Group Stage opener at the FIFA World Cup. Here's all the information you need to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Iraq vs Norway on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Iraq vs Norway WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Marking their first appearance in the global tournament since 1986, Iraq enters their opening match as a significant underdog, but with the pride of a nation behind them. The journey to this stage was long and arduous, requiring 21 qualification matches. This game represents a monumental occasion for Iraqi soccer, a chance to test themselves against elite European competition on the biggest stage. For Norway, this clash is loaded with urgency. Returning to the finals for the first time since 1998, they arrive with a perfect qualification record and one of the world’s most feared strikers in Erling Haaland. With powerhouse nations France and Senegal waiting later in the group stage, securing a convincing victory against Iraq is not just expected—it’s essential for their chances of advancing. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The contrast between these two teams’ paths to the tournament could not be starker. Norway stormed through their European qualifying group, winning all eight games and showcasing a devastating attack that averaged 4.6 goals per match. They are a team brimming with confidence and accustomed to dominating opponents. Iraq, meanwhile, navigated a grueling campaign, ultimately securing their spot via an intercontinental playoff, demonstrating resilience but also revealing vulnerabilities against higher-caliber teams. The tactical battle is expected to be a classic case of attack versus defense. Iraq is likely to deploy a deep, compact defensive block, ceding possession and aiming to frustrate the Norwegian attack. Their game plan will revolve around absorbing pressure and hoping to strike on the rare counter-attack. In contrast, Norway, powered by a Premier League-quality midfield featuring Martin Ødegaard and Sander Berge, will control the tempo, dominate the ball, and patiently work to dismantle Iraq’s low block. Motivation for both sides is clear and distinct. For Norway, this opening fixture is a must-win to build momentum and, crucially, goal difference before facing the group’s tougher opponents. A comprehensive victory is the primary objective. For Iraq, the goal is to be competitive and prove they belong at this level. Avoiding a heavy defeat and putting up a spirited fight against a formidable European side would be considered a success for the Group I minnows. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This 2026 tournament match will be the first-ever official meeting between Iraq and Norway. The two nations have never faced each other in either a competitive fixture or a friendly, making this a completely fresh and unpredictable encounter from a historical perspective. The lack of direct history extends to their experiences against teams from the opposing confederations on this stage. Norway has never played against a team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in their three previous tournament appearances. Similarly, Iraq has only faced a UEFA opponent once in the finals, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Belgium during their 1986 campaign. While historical data between the two is nonexistent, their qualifying campaigns offer clear trends. Norway was an offensive juggernaut, averaging an incredible 7.68 shots on target per game in European qualifying. Iraq, meanwhile, was defensively sound against their regional opposition, conceding just 0.67 goals per game, but their attack will face a monumental step up in class against the Norwegian defense. Squad News & Projected Lineups Both nations enter their opening match with nea
Brighton and Hove Albion have reportedly rejected two offers from Tottenham Hotspur for defender Jean Paul van Hecke, and according to Sky Sports, the Netherlands international is now demanding clarity over his future. The Seagulls are believed to be asking for more than £60 million for Van Hecke, whose contract with the south-coast club has […] The post Van Hecke wants clarity on future after Brighton rejected two Spurs offers appeared first on SoccerNews.
Fifa president sets gruelling itinerary across tournamentWorld Cup to generate about 9m tons of carbon dioxideGianni Infantino is planning to attend two World Cup games each day where possible for the rest of the tournament despite the huge distances involved.The Fifa president has access to a private jet provided by Qatar Airways as a value-in-kind element of its sponsorship deal with the world governing body, which will come in useful as Infantino journeys across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Continue reading...
Ståle Solbakken’s fast, flexible side are far from the no-frills unit that last made the World Cup but new challenges awaitIf Norway’s highly fancied generation need a warning from history they need only look back 32 years and study the lessons from another searing, suspenseful American summer. They had raced through qualifying at England’s expense to reach their first World Cup since 1938; their top players were starting to make it in the Premier League and through the euphoria shone a confidence that a place in the knockout stage, at least, was there to be seized.“When we got there we didn’t manage to even get close to the quality of play we had produced in qualification,” remembers Lars Bohinen, one of the silkier elements in a side that, under Egil Olsen, became renowned for an uncompromising and no-frills approach. “That’s the biggest disappointment when I talk now to my old teammates. We never got near to performing at the level we needed.” Continue reading...
Every player at this World Cup has their own story of how they made it to what Gianni Infantino calls the '104 Super Bowls' that will make up this tournament. But for Ben Waine, it all felt very far away when he was out of the Port Vale squad not so long ago.
In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Tottenham Hotspur remain confident about recruiting Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke this summer. It has been claimed that...
As Brazil prepares to begin its pursuit of a record sixth World Cup title, one of the biggest talking points surrounding Carlo Ancelotti's squad is the absence of Joao Pedro. The Chelsea forward enjoyed an outstanding club season and appeared to be firmly in contention for a place on the plane to North America, making his omission one of the most surprising decisions ahead of the tournament. As Brazil prepares to begin its pursuit of a record sixth World Cup title, one of the biggest talking points surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is the absence of Joao Pedro. The Chelsea forward enjoyed an outstanding club season and appeared to be firmly in contention for a place on the plane to North America, making his omission one of the most surprising decisions ahead of the tournament. The Brazilian national team enters the World Cup carrying huge expectations once again. With stars such as Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Endrick included in the squad, attention has inevitably turned to the talented players left behind, with Joao Pedro becoming the most notable name missing from the final roster. Brazil remains the most successful national team in World Cup history, having lifted the trophy five times in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. The nation has qualified for every edition of the tournament and continues to be viewed as one of the favorites whenever the competition begins. This year’s campaign carries additional intrigue because it marks the first World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti. The legendary Italian became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup after taking charge in 2025. 23 MILHÕES! 🇧🇷Somos a maior Seleção do mundo também no Instagram.Obrigado a cada torcedor que acompanha, vibra, comenta, compartilha e carrega a paixão pelo Brasil para todos os cantos do planeta.Essa conquista é nossa. Seguimos juntos, dentro e fora de campo.#BateNoPeito… pic.twitter.com/WZHPfnxIGk— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 9, 2026 Ancelotti inherited a squad packed with attacking talent but also faced several difficult selection decisions. Among the most debated was whether Joao Pedro had done enough to earn a place after an excellent season in England. Why Joao Pedro was left out The reason behind Joao Pedro’s absence ultimately came down to Ancelotti’s preference for experience, tactical balance, and specific player profiles within his 26-man squad. Despite the forward’s impressive performances for Chelsea, Ancelotti felt other players offered characteristics better suited to tournament soccer. The coach later admitted that the decision was not easy: “There are the individual characteristics of the players. Obviously, we were sad for João Pedro, because for the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list.” Ancelotti also recognized Joao Pedro’s strong campaign but believed alternative options would provide greater balance across the squad: “Unfortunately, with all possible awareness, with all possible respect and with all possible competence, we chose other players. We are sorry for João Pedro.” Joao Pedro of Brazil. Outstanding season was not enough Joao Pedro’s omission became even more surprising because of what he achieved at club level. After joining Chelsea, the striker enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career. The 24-year-old scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective attackers. Many observers expected those performances to guarantee him a place at the World Cup. He had also remained involved with Brazil’s recent squads and appeared to be building a strong case for selection. Instead, Ancelotti chose to place his trust in a mixture of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Players such as Igor Thiago, Endrick, and Rayan were selected, while Joao Pedro, Gabriel Jesus, and Richarlison were left out. Neymar’s inclusion also changed the picture Another major factor in the final squad construction was Neymar’s inc
Jibril Rajoub attended opening match in Mexico but becomes latest football official hit by US visa issues, he saysThe head of the Palestinian Football Association has said he is unable to travel to the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 Fifa World Cup because he has not been issued a visa.Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday. But he is among several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the United States. Continue reading...
