Martin Odegaard 'fully fit' ahead of Norway's FIFA World Cup battle with Iraq

The Norway captain, who recently lifted the English Premier League title with Arsenal, has faced fitness concerns earlier in the year, but he moved quickly to dismiss any lingering doubts.

"I feel good. I don't know what you're so worried about," Odegaard told reporters on Sunday. "Yes, I've had some trouble, as you know, but I feel good now."

Norway arrive at the tournament with high expectations after a dominant World Cup qualification campaign ahead of Italy and Israel. They scored 37 goals and conceded just five, with Erling Haaland leading the attack and Odegaard orchestrating from midfield.

Odegaard said the team are embracing their new status on the world stage.

"That's where we've set the standard, after what we've done in qualifying," he said. "We're changing expectations, that's good and I'm not going to say that's wrong. Now it's Iraq that matters."

Head coach Stale Solbakken confirmed both Odegaard and Haaland are fit for the opener, with the striker impressing in training.

"He had his best training session yesterday, 11 against 11, and he had the goal of the year," Solbakken said. "A volley from 20 metres, it would have been the goal of the year in the World Cup if it had been broadcast."

Norway head into Group I alongside Iraq, Senegal and France, aiming to make a strong statement on their long-awaited return to football's biggest stage.

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