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 s...