Iraq vs Norway Bet Builder: 22/1 for Norwegian goal-fest

Iraq look like they will be up against it in Group I, which many people are labelling the Group of Death at the 2026 World Cup. They are joined by 2022 finalists France, AFCON finalists Senegal, and their first opponents - the dark horses of Norway.

This one kicks off in Boston (6pm local, 11pm BST, BBC One), and below you can find my Iraq vs Norway Bet Builder Tips.

Iraq vs Norway Odds

Norway to win both halves

I think Iraq are likely to be the whipping boys of this group, with France and Senegal also top outfits. If Norway are going to qualify from Group I, they need to beat Norway and beat them well. 

Erling Haaland’s side were perfect in qualifying as they won eight from eight, including 3-0 and 4-1 wins over Italy that ultimately prevented the Azzurri from making it to the 2026 finals. Norway’s striking options are remarkable, with Erling Haaland joined by Alexander Sorloth and Jorgen Strand Larsen as they compete for two starting spots up front. 

Iraq finished third in their first qualification group, behind South Korea and Jordan, who automatically qualified. It meant they headed into the second round of groups, where they finished second out of three, behind Saudi Arabia. They headed to a play-off final with United Arab Emirates, which they won 3-2 on aggregate, but they are not a strong nation at this tournament. 

I expect three heavy defeats in North America for Iraq, starting in Boston against Norway.

Alexander Sorloth to score

I know all eyes will be on Haaland, and rightly so given he is arguably the best striker in the world, but he doesn’t offer much value as a goalscorer. Instead, I’m going to put forward Sorloth, the Atletico Madrid man who is going under the radar in this Norway side. 

He bagged 13 goals in La Liga in 35 matches, but the reason I prefer him as a point of difference is because of Betfred’s Sub Switch offer. It means if he is taken off, this portion of the bet rolls over to his replacement, likely to be Strand Larsen. He scored 10 goals in all competitions this season and I think between the pair of them, they can find the net against a shaky Iraq defence. 

Antonio Nusa to score and assist 

I’m hoping for big things from Antonio Nusa in this tournament, and if you haven’t worked it out by now, I’m expecting Norway to hammer Iraq. Nusa has been a standout player for RB Leipzig, and it is easy to forget he is just 21 years of age.

He got seven goal contributions in the Bundesliga, should play on the left wing in this tournament and will have licence to roam, so I can’t see Iraq dealing with him well. With a deadly front two, he should be able to get an assits, while I will back him to find the net to boost our odds. 

Zaid Ismail to get booked

Zaid Ismail will start as a holding midfielder for Iraq and he is a fiend for a card. He picked up 10 yellow cards in 30 appearances in the Iraq Stars League and is likely to struggle with the step up in opponent. He is the most likely Iraq international to get booked, and it brings our Bet Builder to 22/1.

Betfred's Sub Switch offer rolls your bet to the oncoming substitute, so you stay in the game, even when your player doesn’t.

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Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.