Iraq to face Norway in first World Cup match in 40 years

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team will return to the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after a 40-year absence, taking on Norway in its opening Group I match in Qatar. The squad, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, qualified for the tournament by defeating Bolivia in a playoff round. Under head coach Graham Arnold, Iraq heads into the World Cup unbeaten in its recent preparation matches, having beaten Andorra and drawn with Spain. Arnold said the team has no injury concerns ahead of the opening fixture. Aymen Hussein and Ali El-Hamadi are expected to lead the attack, with Zidane Iqbal and Amir El-Ammari operating in midfield. Jalal Hassan will start in goal, while Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahsin, Robin Sulaka and Merchas Doski are set to form the defense. Doski drew attention during the warm-up matches after scoring against Spain. Norway's main attacking threat remains striker Erling Haaland.