Haaland Makes History as Norway Mark World Cup Return with Victory Over Iraq
Erling Haaland scored twice on his FIFA World Cup debut as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I match at Boston Stadium.
The victory was a historic one for Norway, who are playing at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. It was also a memorable night for Haaland, who increased his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances for his country.
Iraq, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, started brightly and matched Norway for much of the opening half-hour.
However, the breakthrough came shortly after a hydration break when David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross into the box and Haaland slid in at the far post to score Norway’s first World Cup goal since their return to the tournament.
Iraq responded well and equalised in the 39th minute. A cross from Amir Al-Ammari was met by Aymen Hussein, whose powerful header found the back of the net. Hussein had earlier helped Iraq qualify for the World Cup by scoring the winning goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off final.
The scores remained level for only four minutes. Haaland pressured veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, whose mistake allowed the Norwegian striker to block a clearance and watch the ball roll into the net for his second goal of the match.
Despite trailing, Iraq continued to fight and created several chances before halftime, but they could not find another goal.
The second half produced another historic moment when Zidan Iqbal came on as a substitute for Iraq. The Manchester-born midfielder became the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a men’s World Cup.
Norway eventually sealed the victory in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard headed home a corner from captain Martin Odegaard.
Deep into stoppage time, Haaland almost completed a hat-trick, but his looping header was turned into the net by Aymen Hussein for an own goal, making the final score 4-1.
The result was significant as it marked the first victory by a European team against an Asian Football Confederation nation at the 2026 World Cup after five attempts.
For Iraq, the defeat means their wait for a first-ever World Cup point continues. Norway, meanwhile, made a winning return to football’s biggest stage and moved level on points with France at the top of Group I.
Haaland was deservedly named Player of the Match after a historic World Cup debut that further strengthened his reputation as one of the world’s best strikers.
