Magnus Carlsen Predicts Norway’s Success in FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener Against Iraq
Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen Predicts Norway Will “Hammer” Iraq in World Cup Opener
Hong Kong – Chess legend Magnus Carlsen, the highest-ranked chess player of all time, made waves on Tuesday with a bold prediction for Norway’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Iraq. The five-time world champion, currently in Hong Kong for the World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championships, confidently stated that Norway would “hammer” Iraq and expressed hopes for a quarter-final run.
Norway’s return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998 has generated excitement, particularly among fans like Carlsen, who is known for his deep passion for football. The match is set to kick off at 6:00 AM Hong Kong time on Wednesday (2200 GMT Tuesday), and despite the early hour, Carlsen is determined to watch live.
“I will be up early anyway, so I will 100 percent watch the game live,” Carlsen told AFP, emphasizing his commitment to supporting his national team. The Norwegian squad, led by star striker Erling Haaland, is poised for a strong performance, with Haaland having scored 16 goals during the qualifying campaign.
Carlsen, who is also a fan of Real Madrid, believes that the World Cup excitement won’t distract him from his chess commitments. “At this point, I don’t really wake up or stay up for World Cup games. But, when it’s Norway, I do 100 percent,” he said.
The intersection of football and chess has become increasingly apparent, with many players from the World Cup taking up chess in their downtime. Notably, Haaland has invested in a new chess tour, while Egyptian forward Mo Salah has described himself as “addicted” to the game. Other players, including Norway’s Martin Ødegaard and England’s Eberechi Eze, are also avid chess enthusiasts.
Carlsen drew parallels between the two sports, noting that both require strategic thinking. “Strategy, chess and football, it’s not that different really,” he explained. “It’s about trying to control certain areas. Of course, football is a much more dynamic game, and there are certain random elements that may come in.”
With Norway having dominated their World Cup qualifying group, winning all eight matches—including a remarkable performance against Italy—Carlsen is optimistic about their chances. “First of all, we will hammer Iraq in the first game and then we’ll pretty much be through after that,” he predicted.
Following the opener, Norway will face tougher challenges against Senegal and France. However, Carlsen remains hopeful, stating, “My current prediction is that we will make it to the round of 16 and, from there on, it’s probably we’re going to be slight underdogs.”
As the excitement builds for the World Cup, Carlsen’s insights and predictions add a unique perspective to the tournament, blending the worlds of chess and football in a way that captivates fans across both sports. With the global stage set, all eyes will be on Norway as they aim to make their mark in the tournament.
For live updates on the FIFA World Cup 2026, visit A-Sports.