Debut Double from Haaland Guides Norway Past Iraq

Erling Haaland World Cup debut delivered two goals and helped Norway make a successful return to football's biggest tournament after a 28-year absence. The Manchester City striker scored his 56th and 51th international goals in only his 56st appearance for the national side. Norway's attack was efficient throughout the evening, although defensive lapses allowed Iraq to remain competitive for long periods. The result placed Norway among the early leaders in Group I.

At Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Norway opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against an Iraq side making only its second World Cup appearance and first since 1986. Norway secured a 4-1 victory in Group I, collecting three points from their opening fixture. The match carried significance for both nations, with Norway appearing at the tournament for the first time since reaching the Round of 16 in 1998. Iraq entered the contest after ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup return.

Norway created the clearer opportunities during the opening half and took the lead in the 29th minute. David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross into the penalty area and Haaland converted with a controlled finish from close range. Iraq responded positively and equalised nine minutes later when Amir Alammari's delivery found Aymen Hussein, whose header beat goalkeeper Orjan Nyland for his 34th international goal. The match remained balanced until the 43rd minute, when a misplaced back pass allowed Haaland to intercept and restore Norway's advantage before the interval.

Iraq continued to compete after the restart and created moments that tested Norway's defensive organisation. However, the decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Leo Ostigard headed home from a Martin Odegaard corner to extend the lead to 3-1. That goal reduced Iraq's chances of mounting a comeback and shifted momentum firmly towards the Scandinavian side. An own goal credited against Aymen Hussein in stoppage time completed the scoring and confirmed Norway's three-goal margin of victory.

Haaland remained the standout performer despite Norway receiving contributions from several players. His first goal demonstrated movement inside the penalty area, while the second came through persistence in pressing Iraq's defence. The striker now has 57 goals for Norway and added another significant milestone to a career that already includes scoring on his debut in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Champions League. Iraq's Hussein also made an important contribution, scoring his nation's only goal and continuing the form that helped secure qualification.

Norway's next assignment comes against Senegal, a fixture likely to provide a clearer indication of their knockout-stage prospects. Iraq will face France knowing that a positive result could revive their qualification hopes after one match. Both teams still have two group games remaining, and the standings remain closely contested at this early stage of the tournament. The next round of Group I fixtures will offer a stronger measure of where each side stands.