Erling Haaland scored twice on his FIFA World Cup debut as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener. Leo Østigård also scored as Norway made a winning return to the World Cup.
Haaland scores a brace on FIFA WC debut as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 / Credit: @nff_landslag/X
Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut with a brace as Norway opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I clash at Boston Stadium on Wednesday.
Playing in their first World Cup match since 1998, Norway made an immediate statement through their star striker, who scored either side of Iraq’s equaliser to put the Scandinavian side firmly in control. Leo Østigård added a third after the break before a late own goal from Iraq sealed a comfortable opening-day win.
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The result propelled Norway to the top of Group I on goal difference and provided the perfect start to their return to football’s biggest stage after a 28-year absence.
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Haaland, already Norway’s all-time leading scorer, added another milestone to his growing list of achievements by becoming one of the standout performers of the tournament’s opening round. The Manchester City forward’s two-goal display also made him the sixth player to score a brace at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Norway struck first after an intricate move that began with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. Following a patient build-up, David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross from the left flank and Haaland slid in at the far post to finish clinically.
Iraq responded impressively 10 minutes later when veteran striker Aymen Hussein etched his name into the history books. Rising highest to meet Amir Al-Ammari’s floated delivery, Hussein headed beyond Nyland to become only the second Iraqi player to score at a FIFA World Cup.
However, Norway regained the lead before halftime after a defensive mix-up between Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan gifted Haaland an opportunity he did not waste.
The Norwegians tightened their grip on the contest shortly after the restart. Substitute Leo Østigård took advantage of slack marking from a corner and powered home a header just minutes after entering the field.
Iraq’s hopes of a comeback faded further when Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net late in the game, completing a frustrating evening for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
Speaking after the victory, Haaland expressed his delight at making a winning start to his World Cup journey.
“My first goal was nice, the second even nicer, so it’s fantastic and I’m proud of everyone that we could get off to a good start. We know the next games will be even tougher and we’ll have to play even better. We were expected to win and fortunately we did,” he said.
The win leaves Norway level on points with France at the top of Group I, while Iraq and Senegal remain in search of their first points of the tournament.
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