[86268] The Iraqi national team opens its appearance in the 2026 World Cup against the Norwegian national team

2026 World Cup: Iraq opens its games against Norway

The Iraqi national team began its journey in the 2026 World Cup tournament tonight in an intriguing match against the Norwegian national team, as part of Group 9, which also includes France and Senegal. The match, held at Gillette Stadium in Boston, aroused great interest in the Arab media and among the Iraqi public.

According to a report by Al-Mayadeen Channel, expectations were high: "أنظار العراقيين تتجه إلى مواجهة النرويج.. مباراة تحمل الكثير من التحديات والطموحات" (The eyes of Iraqis are turned toward the confrontation with Norway.. a match that holds many challenges and ambitions). Ahead of the match, the national team coach, Graham Arnold, emphasized the need for "organization and fighting spirit" to deal with Norway's offensive power, with an emphasis on their star Erling Haaland, according to Al-Mayadeen Iraq.

Many Iraqi channels, including واحد العراق and وكالة الأنباء العراقية, covered the team lineups and the fans' atmosphere outside the stadium extensively, broadcasting cautious optimism under the slogan #الفوز_عراقي (The victory is Iraqi). Regional media outlets such as فرانس 24 also noted that for Iraq, it is a mission entirely focused on victory.

The reports included multiple references to apps and streaming links for the live broadcast, with channels such as בث مباشر مباراة السعودية تونس providing platforms for live viewing for the fans. National team players, including Ali Youssef and Amir Al-Ammari, declared before the match their full readiness to represent Iraq with honor in the prestigious tournament.