Chess legend Carlsen backs Norway to go far at World Cup

Chess legend and avid football fan Magnus Carlsen predicted on Tuesday that Norway would "hammer" Iraq in their World Cup opener -- and could go on to reach the quarter-finals.

The highest ranked chess player of all time is in Hong Kong this week to play in the World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championships beginning Wednesday.

But the Norwegian and devoted football fan will push his preparation for the tournament to one side to keep a close eye on the World Cup, despite the time difference from North America meaning some matches will kick off in the early hours.

Norway, back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, begin their group campaign against Iraq at 6:00 am Hong Kong time on Wednesday (2200 GMT Tuesday).

Despite the early hour, Carlsen will be tuning in to watch his countrymen -- spearheaded by talismanic attacker Erling Haaland, who loves a game of chess when not banging in goals.

"I will be up early anyway, so I will 100 percent watch the game live," Carlsen told AFP.

Football follower Carlsen did not think the World Cup would be too distracting when his WR Team defend their world blitz crown this week and look to add the world rapid title.

"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," added the five-time world champion, who is a huge fan of Real Madrid .