The group stage match between Iraq and Norway at the 2026 North Central America World Cup heavily favors Norway in terms of player market value.
According to the soccer transfer market website Transfermarkt, Norway's national team has a total market value of €589.9 million (approximately $1.36 billion). In contrast, Iraq's national team is valued at €21.2 million (around $372 million). This means Norway's total market value is about 27.8 times that of Iraq's.
The statement that "one Haaland is worth more than the entire Iraqi team" is not an exaggeration. Transfermarkt estimates Haaland's individual market value at €20 million (approximately $351 million), which is about 9.4 times the total market value of the Iraqi team.
There is also a significant difference in average market value per player. For Norway's squad of 26 players, the average is about €2.27 million (approximately $3.99 million) per player. Iraq's average is around €815,000 (about $1.43 million) per player.
Norway also ranks higher in the FIFA rankings, sitting at 31st, while Iraq is in 57th place.
For both teams, this tournament marks a long-awaited return to the World Cup stage. Norway is back in the finals for the first time since the 1998 World Cup in France, a 28-year absence, while Iraq returns to the World Cup for the first time since the 1986 tournament in Mexico, a 40-year gap.
Haaland is the centerpiece of Norway's squad. He scored 16 goals during the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, leading Norway to the finals. Other key offensive players include Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth.
Although Iraq is considered to be at a disadvantage in terms of strength, their participation in the World Cup after 40 years carries significant meaning. The team is known for its strong pressing and direct play, with veteran striker Ayman Hussein as a central figure in their attack.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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