The World Cup 2026 tournament kicks off with a Group I match between Iraq and Norway, both teams vying for an early three points in Boston.
Norway’s squad features several talents from Serie A. While Leo Østigård of Genoa is on the bench, Bologna’s Torbjørn Heggem steps into central defense alongside Ajer. Torino’s right-back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen is also a substitute, as are Sassuolo midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt and Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby, the most experienced Serie A player in the Norwegian lineup, who are both listed among the replacements.
Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, a player reportedly linked with Juventus this summer, will start on the right flank of Norway’s attack.
For Iraq, Ali Jassim from Como, who recently completed a loan spell at Al-Najma in Saudi Arabia, has been named in the starting eleven. Venezia’s Marko Farji is listed as a substitute.
Iraq vs. Norway – Official Lineups for World Cup 2026
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.