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Magnus Carlsen expects Norway to excel in World Cup opener against Iraq

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 7:35 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Magnus Carlsen expects Norway to excel in World Cup opener against Iraq

Summary

Chess champion Magnus Carlsen predicted on June 16 that Norway would dominate Iraq in their World Cup opener scheduled for 6:00 am Hong Kong time. He expressed confidence that Norway could reach the quarter-finals following a strong performance in qualifiers, where they won all eight matches, including one against Italy. Carlsen, also a fan of soccer star Erling Haaland, plans to watch the game live despite his participation in the World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championships. Norway's group includes Senegal and France, but Carlsen believes they can progress to the knockout stage from their initial matches.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Norway plays Iraq in their World Cup opener on June 17.
•Carlsen predicts Norway will win and advance to the quarter-finals.
•Norway won all eight qualifying games to reach the tournament.
•Erling Haaland scored 16 of Norway's 37 qualifying goals.
•Carlsen plans to watch the match live from Hong Kong.

Latest Updates

7:35 AMYahoo Sports — Chess legend Carlsen backs Norway to go far at World Cup

What they're saying

"
Chess legend and avid football fan Magnus Carlsen predicted on Tuesday that Norway would "hammer" Iraq in their World Cup opener -- and could go on to reach the quarter-finals."First of all, we will hammer Iraq in the first game and then we'll pretty much be through after that," Carlsen predicted.
— Yahoo Sports

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