The 2026 FIFA World Cup got its first taste of action on a chilly evening in Boston, where Iraq faced Norway in a Group I opener that drew a surprisingly large crowd for a tournament still months away.
Boston Becomes the Unexpected Stage
Norway arrived with a squad that reads like a mini‑Serie A all‑star team, featuring five players who have made their mark in Italy’s top flight. Alexander Sorloth, now at Atlético Madrid, leads the line, while Leo Østigård, recently of Genoa, was named among the substitutes and replaced by Bologna’s Torbjørn Heggem. Veteran Morten Thorsby, who plies his trade at Cremonese, brings experience to a midfield that also includes Kristians Thorstvedt and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen.
Iraq, for its part, lined up with a 4‑4‑2 formation that saw Ali Jassim of Como, fresh from a loan spell at Al‑Najma in Saudi Arabia, start the match. The attacking duo of Marko Farji from Venezia and the experienced forward Hassan provided the creative spark, while the midfield was anchored by players such as Tahseen, Hashim and Doski.
The tactical contrast was stark. Norway’s 4‑3‑3 system, orchestrated by head coach Åge Hareide, aims to exploit the pace of Erling Haaland and the width of Ryerson and Ajer, while Iraq’s more compact shape seeks to limit space and hit on the counter‑attack. Both coaches used the match as a laboratory for experiments that will shape their campaigns in the months to come.
Beyond the on‑field story, the game marked a symbolic moment for the tournament’s expansion, with the United States hosting a record number of matches across multiple venues. The Boston encounter also highlighted the growing global reach of football, as fans from across continents followed the live broadcast.
As the final whistle approached, the atmosphere remained electric, with both squads exchanging jerseys and smiles, promising that the competition would only intensify as the group stages progress.