Norway return to the World Cup with a statement win
Norway marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq, as Erling Haaland scored twice on his tournament debut.
For a country that had waited since 1998 to appear again on football’s biggest stage, this was the kind of night Norway dreamed about. Haaland delivered the headline performance, scoring once from a well-worked team move and once by punishing a costly Iraq mistake.
Iraq briefly made the match interesting through Aymen Hussein’s powerful first-half header, but Norway responded quickly and then pulled away after the break. Leo Østigård added a third goal from a set piece before a late own goal gave Norway an eye-catching 4-1 scoreline in Boston.
Iraq start with energy before Norway settle
This match carried emotion for both teams. Norway were back at the World Cup after decades away, while Iraq also arrived with their own sense of history after a long absence.
That made the opening stages tense. Iraq began with good energy, pressing with purpose, competing physically and looking willing to attack when the chance appeared.
Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein gave Norway’s defence early physical problems, while Iraq’s midfield tried to break forward quickly when possession changed. Norway had the bigger names, but they needed time to settle.
Haaland scores his first World Cup goal
Norway’s breakthrough came in the first half, and it was exactly the type of goal they would have wanted.
The move started with patient build-up before Norway increased the tempo through midfield. Antonio Nusa helped open the space, David Møller Wolfe delivered a dangerous ball into the box, and Haaland arrived with the timing that has made him one of the most feared forwards in the world.
The finish was simple, but the movement was not. Haaland burst into the right area at the right moment and turned the chance into his first World Cup goal.
Aymen Hussein gives Iraq hope
Iraq did not collapse after going behind. They stayed in the match and found their equaliser through Aymen Hussein.
The goal came from a strong attacking move, with Iraq working the ball wide before delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Hussein attacked it brilliantly, sending a powerful header beyond Ørjan Nyland.
It was a deserved moment for Iraq. They had shown enough energy and belief to trouble Norway, and the equaliser made the game feel open again.
Haaland punishes Iraq’s costly mistake
Iraq’s hope did not last long. Soon after the equaliser, a poor back pass gave Haaland the opening he needed.
The striker reacted instantly, chased the loose ball and punished the mistake with ruthless calm. It was the kind of goal that shows why defending against Haaland is so difficult.
He does not wait for perfect service. He hunts mistakes. Once Iraq gave him a chance, he was too quick, too strong and too focused to waste it.
Østigård highlights Norway’s set-piece power
Norway’s third goal came in the second half through Leo Østigård. The defender rose highest from a corner and headed the ball into the net, giving Norway the cushion they needed.
It was a simple-looking goal, but it reflected one of Norway’s major strengths: size, movement and danger from set pieces.
With players like Haaland, Østigård and other big bodies attacking deliveries, Norway can cause problems even when open play slows down. That matters in tournament football, where set pieces can decide tight matches.
Late goal adds shine to the scoreline
Norway’s fourth goal came late and added extra weight to the result. A ball into the box caused problems for Iraq, and the final touch ended up sending the ball over the line.
It was unfortunate for Iraq, but by that stage Norway had already taken control. The fourth goal turned a strong win into a statement scoreline.
For Norway, the margin matters. In group-stage football, goal difference can become important, and a 4-1 opening win immediately gives them confidence.
Norway are more than Haaland
Haaland will take the headlines, and rightly so. But this Norway performance showed that the team is not only about one superstar striker.
Martin Ødegaard gave them intelligence and control in midfield. Nusa brought direct running and creativity. Møller Wolfe provided the cross for Haaland’s opener. Østigård gave them set-piece threat. Oscar Bobb and Alexander Sørloth added different attacking options.
That balance is important. Norway’s biggest question before the tournament was whether they could turn individual talent into a strong collective performance. Against Iraq, they showed signs that they can.
What Iraq can take from the defeat
Iraq lost 4-1, but the match was not without positives. They started with energy, competed physically and showed real quality in the move that led to Hussein’s equaliser.
Their problem was not a lack of effort. It was costly mistakes at the wrong moments. The biggest turning point was Haaland’s second goal, which arrived soon after Iraq had worked their way back into the match.
At World Cup level, those moments are punished quickly. Iraq will need to be more secure in possession and more disciplined when defending set pieces if they want to recover in Group I.
What this means for Group I
Norway’s win gives them a strong start in Group I. Three points are important, but the performance also gives them belief.
Haaland scored, the team created different types of chances, and Norway showed they can handle the pressure of returning to the World Cup.
For Iraq, the defeat puts immediate pressure on their next match. Group I will not be easy, especially with France also starting strongly, but Iraq showed enough in spells to suggest they can still compete if they reduce mistakes.
Iraq vs Norway 2026 FAQ
What was the final score of Iraq vs Norway?
Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I opener.
How many goals did Haaland score against Iraq?
Erling Haaland scored two goals against Iraq on his FIFA World Cup debut.
Was this Haaland’s World Cup debut?
Yes. This was Haaland’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, and he scored twice.
Who scored for Iraq against Norway?
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s goal with a powerful first-half header.
Who scored Norway’s third goal?
Leo Østigård scored Norway’s third goal with a header from a set piece.
Where was Iraq vs Norway played?
The match was played at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
What group are Iraq and Norway in?
Iraq and Norway are in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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