Wednesday June 17, 2026
Norway’s players embraced after a commanding start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, beating Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium in Boston, United States, on June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Norway made its long-awaited return to the World Cup stage count on Tuesday, opening Group I with a 4-1 victory over Iraq as Erling Haaland marked his tournament debut with a brace.
The result ended a 28-year absence for Norway at the World Cup finals, while Iraq were back on the sport’s biggest stage for the first time in 40 years.
Haaland got off the mark in the 29th minute, meeting a low cross at the far post and turning it in left-footed to give Norway the lead. Iraq responded 10 minutes later, when Aymen Hussein rose to head home an Amir Alammari delivery and draw level.
But Norway struck again before halftime, with Haaland restoring the advantage in the 43rd minute. The Manchester City striker pressed Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, whose clearance bounced off Haaland’s shin and ricocheted into the net.
Iraq continued to press for another equalizer. Ibrahim Bayesh saw a close-range volley diverted onto the post, Ali Alhamadi broke through and dragged an effort wide, and Akam Hashim sent a volley just over from the edge of the area.
The Lions of Mesopotamia kept pushing after the break, with Hussein testing Norway several times but unable to find a second goal.
Norway then tightened its grip in the 76th minute, when substitute Leo Ostigard rose to head in from a corner and stretch the lead.
Haaland nearly completed a hat-trick on his World Cup debut, only to be denied by Hassan.
Hussein’s own goal in stoppage time sealed a convincing win for Norway.
