FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Erling Haaland announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with a brace as Norway opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday.
Playing in his first World Cup match, the Manchester City striker scored twice to inspire Norway’s first appearance at the tournament since 1998 and underline why the Scandinavians are considered one of Europe’s most dangerous dark horses.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute with an improvised finish from David Moller Wolfe’s cross, delighting the sea of red-clad Norway supporters inside the stadium.
Iraq responded nine minutes later when Aymen Hussein powered home a header to level the match and briefly raise hopes of a famous result.
But Haaland restored Norway’s lead moments before halftime after capitalizing on a costly defensive mistake. The striker intercepted a poor back pass, beat goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to the ball and bundled it into the net for his second goal of the evening.
The goals took Haaland’s international tally to 57 and highlighted his importance to Norway’s hopes of advancing deep into the tournament.
“Of course I will try,” Haaland said when asked about leading Norway’s World Cup challenge. “It’s about continuing and not thinking too much.”
Norway took full control after the break and added a third goal in the 76th minute when Leo Ostigard headed home from a Martin Odegaard corner.
An own goal by Hussein in the closing moments completed a difficult night for Iraq and sealed an emphatic Norwegian victory.
The result marks a dream start for Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence and places the team in a strong position in Group I.
For Iraq, appearing at the World Cup for only the second time in its history and the first since 1986, the defeat leaves little margin for error in its remaining group matches.
Norway will now turn its attention to a much tougher test against France, while Iraq looks to bounce back in its next outing.
Source: Saudi Gazette