The World Cup 2026 campaign kicks off for both Iraq and Norway in a Group I encounter in Boston, with all three points up for grabs.
Several players from Italy’s Serie A are included in the Norwegian squad. Genoa’s Leo Østigård begins the match on the bench, making way for Bologna’s Torbjørn Heggem, who partners Ajer in central defense.
Torino’s right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen is also listed among the substitutes. Furthermore, Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt and Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby, the most experienced Serie A player in the Norway lineup, are both named as replacements.
Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, who has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus this summer, is set to start on the right flank of the attack.
For Iraq, Ali Jassim of Como, who spent last season on loan at Al-Najma in Saudi Arabia, is a starter. Meanwhile, Venezia’s Marko Farji will be on the bench.
Iraq vs Norway – World Cup 2026 – Official Lineups
Iraq XI (4-4-2): Hassan; H.Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Jasim, Ismael, Al Ammari, Bayesh; Hussein, M.Ali.
Norway XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
