Haaland double steers Norway to 4-1 win over Iraq in first World Cup match in 28 years
Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut as Norway, returning to the tournament after a 28-year absence, defeated Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Norway ends 28-year World Cup drought with victory
Norway opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq at Gillette Stadium, ending a 28-year wait for a match at the finals. The Scandinavians last appeared in 1998, while Iraq were making their first appearance since 1986. Erling Haaland, in his World Cup debut, scored twice before half-time to give his side a 2-1 lead, and second-half goals from Leo Ostigard and an own goal by Aymen Hussein sealed the result.
The Norwegian performance was far from polished, however. Iraqi striker Hussein had equalised in the 39th minute, and the opening period was tense. Coach Stale Solbakken’s side struggled for rhythm before a hydration break, but Haaland’s predatory instincts turned the game.
First-half drama and Iraqi resistance
The match began slowly, with neither side creating clear chances until the 29th minute. David Moller Wolfe delivered a low cross from the right and Haaland, arriving at the near post, steered the ball past goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to make it 1-0. Iraq responded ten minutes later when Amir Al-Ammari found space on the left and crossed for Hussein, who headed powerfully into the net.
Just before the break, Norway regained the lead in bizarre fashion. An underhit back-pass toward Hassan allowed Haaland to charge down the goalkeeper, and the Iraqi’s attempted clearance struck the striker’s leg and rolled into the empty net. It was a moment of high drama that Norway’s media later described as a gift.
- Erling Haaland opens scoring, finishing a David Moller Wolfe cross.
- Aymen Hussein equalises for Iraq with a header from Amir Al-Ammari's cross.
- Haaland scores his second after a defensive mix-up, capitalising on a weak back-pass and goalkeeper error.
- Leo Ostigard heads in from a corner to make it 3-1.
- Aymen Hussein scores an own goal in stoppage time, sealing the 4-1 result.
Norwegian media critical despite result
After the match, Norwegian outlets tempered their praise.
Despite the nerves and fears we pulled it off, and the result with points and goals is a dream.
State broadcaster NRK noted:Despite the impressive result, Norway played uncertainly and unevenly, and our captain Martin Ødegaard disappointed the most.
Norway struggled a lot against Iraq, especially until the first cooling break, but right after that Haaland entered the game seriously twice and the situation changed.
Haaland himself admitted the occasion was overwhelming.
It is not easy to be a debutant at the World Cup, because the emotions are incredible and uncontrollable, but we managed and I am satisfied. However, we must draw serious conclusions from this match.
Fan atmosphere and pre-match scenes
Norwegian supporters made their presence felt long before kick-off. Hours earlier, a large group gathered at Boston’s South Station and performed the traditional "Viking rowing" chant, drawing attention from fellow travelers. Inside Gillette Stadium, they provided vocal backing throughout.
In another pre-match moment captured on social media, Haaland paused in the tunnel to greet a group of children. The Norwegian striker, often characterised as robotic, spent time signing autographs and sharing embraces. One widely shared account described the scene as offering "memories they will never forget."
Group I outlook
With three points, Norway take an early lead in Group I, but the performance made clear that defensive improvements are needed for the matches ahead. Iraq, who arrived after a 40-year absence and a marathon qualification involving 21 matches, will look to recover against other group opponents. The path to the knockout stage remains open, but the opening night belonged to Haaland.
