Erling Haaland starred as Norway national football team began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq national football team in their Group I opener.
The Manchester City striker set Norway on their way in the 29th minute, finding the back of the net to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Iraq responded positively and drew level 10 minutes later when Hussein A. struck in the 39th minute to make it 1-1, briefly silencing the Norwegian supporters.
However, Haaland restored Norway’s advantage just before halftime, completing his brace in the 43rd minute with a clinical finish to send his team into the break leading 2-1.
Norway continued to control proceedings in the second half and extended their lead in the 76th minute through Leo Østigård, whose goal put the Scandinavian side firmly in command of the contest.
The result was sealed deep into stoppage time when Iraq’s Hussein A., who had earlier scored his side’s only goal, unfortunately turned the ball into his own net in the 90+6th minute, handing Norway a fourth goal and completing a difficult evening for the midfielder.
Haaland’s two-goal performance proved decisive as Norway secured all three points and made a strong statement in their opening World Cup fixture.
The emphatic 4-1 victory places Norway in a strong position in Group I as they look to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.
For Iraq, the defeat was a disappointing start despite their brief fightback, while Norway will take confidence from a dominant display spearheaded by their prolific captain Haaland.