File photo: Pierre Atcho (centre) was the referee in a knockout match in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, while in the 2025 edition, he was in charge of three matches. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Iraq will take on Norway in the second match of Group I at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Erling Haaland making his debut in the tournament.

Iraq, on the other hand, returns to the World Cup after 40 years under coach Graham Arnold, who guided the Socceroos to the round of 16 in the last edition of the quadrennial showpiece.

Who is the referee in Iraq vs Norway?

Pierre Atcho from Gabon will be the referee in Iraq vs Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026. He has been a FIFA International referee since 2018 and has officiated several age-group FIFA tournaments.

He was the referee in a knockout match in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, while in the 2025 edition, he was in charge of three matches, including the round of 16 match between Egypt and Benin.

Full list of match officials for Iraq vs Norway:

• Referee: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
• Assistant Referee 1: Boris Ditsoga (Gabon)
• Assistant Referee 2: Amos Abeigne Ndong (Gabon)
• Fourth Official: Amin Mohamed (Egypt)
• VAR official: Jarred Gillett (Australia)

Published on Jun 16, 2026