Norway's World Cup Opener Faces Transport Chaos

What a nightmare.

The Iraqi defender's back pass is way too short.

Erling Haaland rushes at the keeper, and the keeper smashes a clearance off the onrushing Haaland and into the goal.

What a gift for the Norway striker.

The US team says it's prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the weeks ahead — including what's likely to be a physical meeting with Australia on Saturday at 5am (AEST).

Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter credits this tenacity to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has taken over a team that repeatedly flopped on the international stage and infused it with a stronger mentality grounded in a few core beliefs.

"I think one is that we're American. We don't take s***," Berhalter said.

AAP/ABC

Graham Arnold will become the first Australian to coach two teams at the men's World Cup.

The Iraq coach takes on Norway in the next game.

The former Socceroos coach reflected fondly on the Iraqi fans who had popped up around the team hotel.

"Everywhere we go, the Iraqi fans have been there, and they're so grateful for qualifying," Arnold said.

"But qualification is not enough. I want more."

Reuters

Tens of thousands of fans in Oslo could be left stranded after Norway play their World Cup opener against Iraq, with parts of the capital's public transport network set to shut down before the final whistle.

About 35,000 fans are expected to gather at the Ullevaal Stadium where the men's team play their home games, to watch the Iraq clash, and thousands more will flock to bars and clubs to see Erling Haaland and company take on the Iraqis after alcohol licensing laws were relaxed.

However, getting home after the game at around 0200 local time on Wednesday morning could prove difficult for those living outside the city centre, as only certain metro lines and night buses will be running.

"We have tried to find a solution for a larger night bus service in connection with the World Cup, but several factors made it impossible," Bjornar Skogheim, spokesperson for public transport service provider Ruter, told broadcaster NRK.

Metro trains will be available to help fans leave the Ullevaal area, but most of the services are limited to central areas of the city, leaving suburban residents with few options to get home.

"People have the opportunity to use the 24-hour bus lines 31 and 37, city bikes, or to use their feet if they can," Ruter spokesperson Skogheim said.

The game is Norway's first at a World Cup since 1998 and excitement in the country is at fever pitch, prompting criticism from politicians that Ruter should have been better prepared.

"It is simply irresponsible. When tens of thousands of people are going home after the games, more than a few extra departures are needed in the city centre," Sirin Stav, Green Party group leader for Oslo, told NRK.

Superstar Kylian Mbappe scored twice as favourites France opened their World Cup account with a 3-1 win over Senegal.

France struggled to get going in the first half, with their superstar attack unable to create a decent chance as Senegal defended well.

France thought they'd won a penalty in the second half after Mbappe went down in the area. It looked like a foul, but Australian referee Alireza Faghani said no after checking the VAR monitor.

Mbappe got his goal when he made a brilliant run to get on the end of a through ball by Michael Olise to fire home on 65 minutes.

Bradley Barcola grabbed the second, just minutes after coming on as a substitute, coolly lifting the ball over the Senegal keeper.

Ibrahim Mbaye scored a stunning goal in stoppage time to give Senegal hope, before Mbappe scored an even better goal, blasting home from distance.