Haaland Stars as Norway Claim Strong Victory Against Iraq in FIFA World Cup 2026

Norway recorded their biggest-ever World Cup finals victory with a 4-1 win over a determined Iraq side in Group I at Gillette Stadium. Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut to lead his team to victory.

The first half was full of action, and Norway took the lead in the 28th minute through Haaland. A well-worked move ended with David Moller Wolfe sending a precise low cross to the far post, where the Manchester City striker had the easy task of tapping the ball into the net.

Iraq refused to back down and found an equaliser 10 minutes later. Amir Al-Ammari reached the byline on the left and delivered a cross to the far post, where Aymen Hussein powered a header into the bottom corner.

However, Iraq went into the break behind after a costly mistake at the back. A simple backpass from Zaid Tahseen caused problems when goalkeeper Jalal Hassan took too long on the ball, allowing Haaland to close him down and regain the lead for Norway.

After the action-packed first half, the game settled down in the early phase of the second half, with neither side managing a shot on target until the 76th minute.

Norway then made sure of the result when substitute Leo Ostigard got on the end of a Martin Odegaard corner. The Genoa defender rose above everyone else and directed his header into the net from close range, helping Norway secure a winning return to the World Cup after 28 years.