Norway and Iraq will face off on Tuesday as global stars will descend on Boston Stadium.
Norway is making its first World Cup appearance since 1998 and its fourth all-time. The Nordic nation has played 19 senior international matches against Asian opposition. It has never played Iraq.
Norway has 10 wins, four draws, and five losses against the Asian Football Confederation. But their last match against Asian competition was a 6-0 win over Jordan.
Iraq is in its second-ever World Cup and first since 1986. They were the last team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are fresh off a 1-1 draw with Spain in a World Cup tune-up match that will have put opponents on notice. In total, Iraq has two wins, two draws, and four losses against European competition.
Norway's stars will be known around the world. Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard will be crucial components if Norway is to make a run in the tournament. Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, and Oscar Bobb will also be names to keep an eye on.
Iraq is led by Aymen Hussein, who is a crucial part of Iraq's attack as well as Ali Al-Hamadi. After the draw against Spain, the Lions of Mesopotamia will have some confidence and belief that it can get something out of the amtch against Norway.
"Iraq is a very well organized team," Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken said when asked by The Blazing Musket about Iraq. "They have a great mentality, work hard and they have also had some games in the qualification where they have been under pressure, but they have been able to come out of that and be a better team."
The weather will not be a major factor as it will be 75 degrees farenheit and sunny at kickoff. Additionally the humidity will be less of a factor compared to earlier in the day and conditions seen last week.
Also in a twist that no one could have seen Solbakken gave a shoutout to the New England Revolution and Stevie Nicol during his Matchday -1 presser. Norway was originally supposed to play Scotland in a World Cup tuneup match but Scotland cancelled the training ground match.
Prior to Monday, Solbakken called Scotland head coach Steve Clarke unprofeissonal. When asked again about the incident, the coach highlighted his support for Scotland as a Liverpool fan which eventually found him talking about the former Revs head coach.
"Steve Nicol was on the New England Revolution wall, he said. "I didn't like what happened there, but that's been over for a long time now. No hard feelings now."
Considering Spain's draw with Cape Verde, the fact that Iraq secured a similar result shouldn't be taken lightly. If Norway enters this match expecting three points on a platter, they could become the latest team to see what realistically be three points dwindle to just one.
