Iraq versus Norway

Group stage Scheduled Group I
0–0

Iraq

Iraq make their second tournament appearance and first since 1986 — a four-decade absence ending in extraordinary fashion. Jesús Casas, the Spanish coach who succeeded in qualifying Iraq via the play-off path, has built around a young, hungry generation: Aymen Hussein leads the line; Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich) and Mohanad Ali provide attacking options; Hussein Ali and Manaf Younis anchor the back. The Lions of Mesopotamia famously won the 2007 Asian Cup just months after the war's peak, a moment seared into national memory. Group I with France, Senegal and Norway is the toughest possible draw — survival to the round of 32 demands a near-miracle. But qualifying was already a generational achievement; the tournament itself is a victory lap.

Norway

Norway return for their first tournament since 1998, ending a 28-year exile in the most spectacular way possible: with Erling Haaland (Manchester City) leading the line. The Premier League's most prolific striker is the engine but not alone — Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) supplies the creativity, Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig) and Oscar Bobb (Manchester City) offer pace, Sander Berge (Fulham) anchors midfield. Ståle Solbakken, retained through qualification, has shifted to a more direct 4-3-3 that maximises Haaland's touch in the box. The Norwegian footballing public has waited a generation for this. Group I with France, Senegal and Iraq is dangerous, but Norway's ceiling is genuinely high — second place is achievable, and an upset of France is not unthinkable.

Gillette Stadium

Gillette Stadium hosts seven matches in 2026, including a quarter-final, anchoring the tournament in New England. Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, between Boston and Providence, the venue opened in 2002 and is shared by the New England Patriots NFL franchise and the New England Revolution MLS side. Capacity for football is approximately 65,900. The pitch was reconverted from artificial turf to natural grass for the tournament. Climate: New England summer days are typically 24-29°C — the most temperate among US host cities, with low humidity and minimal rain risk during the tournament window. The Boston metropolitan area's academic gravity (Harvard, MIT) and high disposable income make Gillette a strategic destination for international supporters who can fund travel, particularly European ones.