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World CupWorld Cup
Group Stage - 1
Iraq logoIraq
FT
1 - 4
HT: 1–2
Norway logoNorway

16 Jun 2026, 22:00

Gillette Stadium, Boston

Pierre Ghislain Atcho, Gabon

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home logoIraq
39’A. Hussein
59’Z. Ismaeel
59’A. Al Hamadi
73’H. Ali
73’A. Jasim
78’I. Bayesh
86’Z. Tahseen
Norwayaway logo
E. Haaland29’
E. Haaland43’
A. Nusa73’
F. Aursnes73’
D. Wolfe73’
A. Sorloth73’
L. Ostigard76’
M. Odegaard81’
A. Hussein90’

AI Post-Match Analysis

Match Rating
7.1/10
Man of the Match
Erling Haaland
Key Moments
129’ E. Haaland’s first goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Iraq to give Norway an early lead.
239’ A. Hussein’s equalizer, showcasing Iraq’s ability to break through Norway’s defense but failing to maintain momentum.
390+6’ A. Hussein’s own goal, a critical error that sealed the match and highlighted Iraq’s defensive frailties.
4Norway’s superior passing accuracy (472 vs. 270) enabling sustained attacks and creating multiple scoring opportunities.
5The halftime scoreline (1-2) reflecting Norway’s dominance despite Iraq’s equalizer, setting the stage for Norway’s second-half superiority.
Tactical Insights
Norway’s high pressing and midfield control disrupted Iraq’s build-up play, leading to turnovers and counterattacking opportunities.
Iraq’s reliance on long-ball tactics and lack of midfield cohesion limited their ability to maintain possession or create quality chances.
Norway’s defensive organization, particularly in the second half, minimized Iraq’s threat and capitalized on errors, exemplified by the own goal.
The match between Iraq and Norway in the World Cup showcased a clear dominance by Norway, who controlled the game through superior possession and passing accuracy. Iraq started strongly, equalizing through A. Hussein’s goal in the 39th minute, but Norway’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved decisive. Norway’s ability to maintain possession (61% compared to Iraq’s 39%) and create chances (5 shots on target versus Iraq’s 1) highlighted their effectiveness in transitioning from defense to attack. Iraq’s performance was hindered by poor passing accuracy (270 accurate passes compared to Norway’s 472) and an inability to sustain pressure, despite outshooting Norway (11 to 12). The own goal by A. Hussein in the 90th minute sealed the result, emphasizing Iraq’s defensive vulnerabilities under pressure. Norway’s tactical flexibility, particularly in exploiting spaces left by Iraq’s high defensive line, was pivotal.