Iraq

Iraq enters the 2026 World Cup as Group I underdogs with minimal preparation time before their June 16 opener against Norway at Gillette Stadium. With a 0-0-0 record heading into the tournament, the team faces an uphill climb in a competitive group, and bettors should view them as long-shot value plays rather than outright favorites in any matchup. The home advantage at Gillette Stadium offers modest support, but Norway’s pedigree as a traditional European side makes Iraq heavy underdogs in that fixture. For bettors, Iraq’s appeal lies in prop markets and group-stage survival scenarios rather than straight wins: look for inflated odds on draws or total-goals unders as the tournament progresses, and monitor squad fitness and tactical adjustments after their first match. The real betting edge comes from understanding that Iraq’s results will likely hinge on execution in transition and set-piece defense, not sustained possession dominance. Track their performance against Norway closely; it will set the tone for how the market prices their remaining group matches.