World Cup 2026 Game Predictions, Scripts & Picks

Norway opens their World Cup campaign as massive -460 favorites against Iraq, with the market clearly reflecting the gulf in class between these sides. The Norwegians bring Martin Ødegaard's creativity and a roster depth that Iraq simply can't match, while the Lions of Mesopotamia face an uphill battle in their return to the World Cup stage. The recent form tells contrasting stories. Norway has been clinical in qualification, demolishing Moldova 11-1 and blanking Israel 5-0, showing they can pile on goals against overmatched opposition. Their 4-1 victory over Italy away demonstrates they can also rise to bigger occasions. Iraq's preparation has been more mixed - a concerning 2-0 loss to Venezuela in their final tune-up, though they did manage a creditable 1-1 draw with Spain and have shown resilience in tight matches. This matchup screams possession dominance for Norway. Ødegaard will orchestrate from the center, while players like Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes provide the platform. Iraq's defensive structure, built around veterans like Frans Putros and Rebin Sulaka, will be tested early and often. The Lions' best hope lies in staying compact and looking for transition moments through their younger attacking players. The World Cup pedigree heavily favors Norway, who at least have eight previous matches of experience compared to Iraq's dismal 0-3 record from their lone appearance. Iraq's three World Cup matches resulted in three losses and just one goal scored - not exactly inspiring precedent. At +1250 for Iraq and +615 for the draw, the market is essentially pricing this as a Norway exhibition. The -2 spread reinforces expectations of comfortable Norwegian control. However, World Cup openers can be cagey affairs, and Iraq showed in qualification they can grind out results when needed. The total sits at 3 goals, which feels light given Norway's recent scoring explosion and Iraq's defensive vulnerabilities. Norway averaged 2.4 goals per game in their last four matches, and against weaker opposition, they've shown no mercy. Iraq has conceded in seven of their last ten matches, including two goals to Venezuela just last week. Expect Norway to control territory and create numerous chances, with Iraq forced into a defensive shell. The Scandinavians' superior fitness and depth should tell over 90 minutes, particularly if they can grab an early goal to force Iraq out of their compact shape.