Who is the referee for Norway vs Iraq?

Erling Haaland of Norway reacts during the international friendly between Norway and Switzerland in Oslo — Norway's opening 2026 World Cup game in Group I will be played tonight against Iraq - but who is the referee? (Image credit: Getty Images)

It's been a while since a true 'dark horse' has arrived at the World Cup with the same gravitas that Norway possess.

With the best striker in England leading the line, a Premier League title-winning captain, and a team chock full of serious, underrated talent, Iraq will be the first team to face them at the 48-team tournament.

Just how far could Norway go? - could be the question on everyone's mind after tonight's Group I clash, but who will be officiating?

Who is the referee for Norway vs Iraq in Group I at the 2026 World Cup?

The Norway vs Iraq match at the 2026 World Cup in Group I will be officiated by referee Pierre Atcho.

The Gabonese offical will oversee the match, played this evening at 11PM UK time at the Boston Stadium.

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Atcho will be joined by fellow Gabonese officials Boris Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong, who will serve as assistant referees.

Egypt's Amin Mohamed Omar and Mahmoud Abouregal will handle VAR duties, and oversee the implementation of two new World Cup rules.

Atcho has prior experience on the largest of international stages across the African continent.

The Gabonese official has overseen multiple Africa Cup of Nations clashes, including the Senegal vs Egypt semi-final from the 2026 tournament, which ended 1-0 to the former side.

On that stage, Atcho has averaged over 4.5 bookings per game, and a penalty or red card every 2.5 games.

Sadio Mane of Senegal and Mohamed Salah Mahrous Ghaly of Egypt battle for the ball during the Semi-final final match between Senegal and Egypt. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) — Atcho oversaw the Egypt vs Senegal semi-final during this year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Gabonese referee also refereed Egypt's 3-1 victory over Benin in the 2026 tournament - a strong refereeing display in a match that went to 120 minutes.

Atcho will now oversee Norway's opening game at the 2026 World Cup, who are heading into the competition in strong form.

In the nation's World Cup qualifying group, Stale Solbakken's men took a whopping 24/24 points, with notable 4-1 demolitions of Estonia and Italy in their last two games.

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.