Iraq, Norway coaches look ahead to World Cup opener

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The coaches of Iraq and Norway addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for Wednesday. Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said the game will not be defined by a single opponent, referring to Norway striker Erling Haaland. "Football is 11 against 11. Haaland is an outstanding forward, so we have to be at our best, keep our shape, and win our aerial and ground duels," Arnold told reporters. Arnold said the squad would draw on lessons from the qualifying and playoff stages and noted that the team's training camp in the United States had gone well, with players embracing the World Cup atmosphere. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken described Iraq as a highly disciplined side with a hard-working defense and midfield and physically strong forwards. He said the gap between national teams has narrowed in modern football, adding that Norway would focus on its own game and show respect to Iraq. Both coaches said their starting lineups were not yet finalized and that substitutes could play a decisive role, expressing confidence that the match would be played in a fitting World Cup atmosphere.