Iraq coach Arnold says team will play Norway without fear in World Cup opener

BOSTON — Iraq will face Norway in its first group-stage match at the World Cup, marking the Iraqi national team's return to the tournament for the first time since 1986, head coach Graham Arnold said. Arnold told reporters that his players must take the field without fear and stressed that simply qualifying is not enough for the squad. Arnold, who led Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, noted that Iraq faced serious challenges during qualifying because of the war in neighboring Iran. He pointed to a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in March as the result that secured Iraq's place in the finals. Norway, which features Erling Haaland, is among the opponents in Group I alongside France and Senegal. Arnold said Iraq has nothing to lose in the tournament. Further details on Iraq's match schedule were not immediately available.