Iraq and Norway kick off their 2026 World Cup campaigns in a high-stakes Matchday 1 clash in Group I. Follow along for live, minute-by-minute updates from this massive tournament opener! Boston Stadium is ready to take center stage as Iraq and Norway square off to round out the 2026 World Cup opening matches of Group I. With heavyweights France and Senegal looming in the same zone, capturing three points tonight is absolutely vital for both sides’ knockout stage ambitions. This match carries immense emotional weight for the Europeans, who are making their highly anticipated return to soccer’s grandest stage after a grueling 28-year absence. All eyes will be fixed on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who steps onto soccer’s biggest stage as Norway‘s all-time leading scorer with an astonishing 55 goals in just 50 international appearances. Iraq is orchestrating an incredible comeback story of their own. The Lions of Mesopotamia have navigated a four-decade-long wait to return to the World Cup, marking their first appearance since Mexico 1986. Entering the tournament as severe underdogs, the Asians will look to pull off a monumental upset and derail the Haaland party right from the opening whistle.