World Cup: Bundesliga duo start alongside Haaland for Norway's opener against Iraq

Norway and Iraq will contest the second game from Group I at the 2026 World Cup.

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Norway and Iraq will lock horns in what will be the first World Cup game in the 21st century for both national teams. The European side secured qualification with a perfect record, while Iraq got the better of Bolivia in the intercontinental playoff tie.

Borussia Dortmund’s assist king Julian Ryerson and RB Leipzig's youngster Antonio Nusa are in the starting lineup for Norway. Köln's ex-coach Ståle Solbakken also has two former Bundesliga strikers on his ranks as Erling Haaland (Dortmund) and Alexander Sorloth (RB Leipzig) will partner Nusa in the final third.

HSV's young goalkeeper Sander Tangvik will be the understudy for the 35-year-old Orjan Nyland, who previously had a brief spell with RB Leipzig. Aymen Hussein will lead the line for Iraq in only their second World Cup campaign to date.

Confirmed Norway vs. Iraq Lineups

Norway: Nyland; Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson; Aursnes, Berge, Odegaard ©; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth

Iraq: Hassan ©; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al Ammari, Ismaeel, Jasim; Al Hamadi, Hussein