Iraq vs Norway - World Cup

When Iraq and Norway clash at the home ground on June 16, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a World Cup fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both camps will view the World Cup meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Following a two-year stint in Seattle, Ogwumike continues to produce elite numbers in her 2026 campaign, averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for the Sparks.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Iraq may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Norway have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. St Johnstone twice gave up a lead before storming back to edge a seven-goal thriller on their Scottish Premiership return at home to Kilmarnock.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the World Cup picture. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.