Iraq vs Norway — AI prediction

Result

Iraq 1-4 Norway

Kick-off: 2026-06-16

Norway are heavy favourites at a neutral-venue World Cup group game where the nominal 'home' label for Iraq carries no real weight. The Norwegian attack is potent and in form: 9 goals across their last five (LDWLW including a 4-1 demolition of Italy and a 3-1 win over Sweden) and a published XI packed with elite quality — Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth up top, Antonio Nusa on the flank, and Martin Ødegaard pulling strings in midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes. Iraq, by contrast, scored just 4 in their last five (LDWWL) and have conceded 5, including a 0-2 home loss to Venezuela in their most recent outing. Their front pairing of Aymen Hussein and Ali Al-Hamadi is willing but faces a far superior backline (Ajer, Ryerson). The market reflects a massive gulf — Norway at 1.23, Iraq out at 12.0 — and given the data that is justified. Expect Norway to control possession and territory; the main questions are margin of victory and whether Iraq find a consolation. No head-to-head or injury data was provided, so this read leans on recent form and the published line-ups. Iraq have shown defensive resolve at times (1-0 win over Andorra, 1-1 draw at Spain), which tempers the very heaviest margins.

Key factors

• Norway's strong scoring form: 9 goals in last 5 including 4-1 v Italy and 3-1 v Sweden
• Iraq's weak recent attack (4 goals/5) and 0-2 loss to Venezuela last out
• Star-studded Norway XI: Haaland, Sørloth, Nusa, Ødegaard vastly outclass Iraq
• Neutral venue removes Iraq's nominal home edge
• No head-to-head or injury data available in context

Win probability

• Iraq: 7%
• Draw: 16%
• Norway: 77%

Goals & scoring

• Over 2.5 goals: 59%
• Both teams to score: 42%

Recent form

Iraq: LDWWL · Norway: DWDLW