Four Key Names for Iraq Against Norway

The Lions of Mesopotamia look forward to a strong World Cup start when they face Norway at dawn on Wednesday in Boston, at one after midnight Baghdad time. The match opens Iraq's journey in Group Nine of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a group that also includes France and Senegal. The team's ambition is clear: to achieve a positive result despite the difficulty of the competitors, in their second global appearance after the 1986 Mexico World Cup.

Iraqi analyst and coach Kazem Al-Abadi summarized the state of the fans in one sentence: the mood changed quickly. After the great performance against Spain, expectations rose, but the loss to Venezuela brought back concerns. He said this contradiction is natural because fluctuating performance raises questions about the true level of the team before the World Cup.

Al-Abadi highlighted four names he sees as key to Iraq's success. Akam Hashim in defense, Mirkhas Doski on the flanks, Zidan Iqbal in the midfield, and Marco Faraj on the wing. In his view, these are the heart of the current generation and the hope of the Lions of Mesopotamia not only against Norway but in all the tournament matches. He expects Graham Arnold to give them full confidence and perhaps start them in the lineup that will begin the crucial battle in the opener.

However, the Iraqi analyst pointed out an old yet new problem. The defense line bears a lot of pressure because the alternatives in some positions are still limited. Al-Abadi criticized the lack of broader renewal in recent years and said that young names outside the list should have gotten bigger opportunities to prove themselves. He hoped Arnold would take risks and give these young players minutes, even in tournament matches.

Al-Abadi's view of the current team is that it is closer to balance. The Australian coach's philosophy relies on defensive discipline first, then launching fast counterattacks with precise passing. The key against Norway is not only to stop Erling Haaland but more importantly to cut off supply to him. If the balls reaching him decrease, his threat will significantly drop. He emphasized that coming out with a point or more from the opening match is not an impossible dream, provided that the players adhere to the tactic and tactical discipline for 90 minutes.

In a step of moral support, the President of the Iraqi Federation, Younis Mahmoud, arrived in the United States. More important than his presence: the decision to renew Graham Arnold's contract was settled regardless of the World Cup results, indicating a long-term project rather than just one tournament.