World Cup 2026 | Iraq 1 - 4 Norway
Norway start World Cup with emphatic win
They overcame a determined Iraq side in their opening Group I encounter as Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | Boston Stadium
The 25-year-old took his international tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances as Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. He came close to becoming the 55th player to score a World Cup hat-trick, only for Jalal Hassan to produce an excellent late save.
Competing on football's biggest stage for the first time in 40 years, Iraq more than matched their opponents during the opening 25 minutes. However, the breakthrough arrived just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break when David Moller Wolfe surged down the left and delivered a low cross that Haaland slid in at the far post.
Iraq deservedly drew level in the 39th minute. Amir Al-Ammari's cross was met by Aymen Hussein, whose powerful downward header found the corner. Hussein had already secured his country's place at the tournament with the winning goal in the intercontinental play-off final against Bolivia in March.
The scores remained level for only four minutes. Hassan hesitated over a back-pass inside his own six-yard box and Haaland charged down the attempted clearance, with the ball rebounding into the net.
Iraq ended the first half strongly
Ibrahim Bayesh saw a volley deflected wide, Ali Al-Hamadi was crowded out in the area by Kristoffer Ajer and Akam Hashim fired a spectacular 20-yard volley narrowly over the crossbar. Iraq were clearly causing Norway problems.
Following the restart, former Manchester United player and Manchester-born Zidan Iqbal came off the bench to become the first player of Pakistani heritage to feature in a men's World Cup.
Norway eventually gave themselves breathing space in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard headed home a corner from Martin Odegaard. Deep into stoppage time, Haaland's looping header across goal was turned into his own net by Hussein.
At the fifth attempt, it was the first victory by a European nation over Asian Football Confederation opposition at this tournament. For Iraq, the search for a first World Cup point continues.
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