Norway 4-1 Iraq: Haaland’s Double Seals Statement Win in World Cup Opener
Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium roared to life under the autumn sun as Norway kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, dispatching a spirited Iraq side 4-1 in a Group I opener that will be remembered for Erling Haaland’s two-goal masterclass.
From the first whistle, it was clear this would be a contest defined by moments of brilliance — and Norway delivered them in abundance. While Iraq arrived with fire in their eyes, pressing high and looking to unsettle the Scandinavians, it was the visitors’ clinical edge that ultimately proved decisive.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Haaland, ever the ice-cold finisher, ghosted into the box and pounced on a loose ball after a probing Norwegian move. With a crisp left-footed strike, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way — a goal that settled nerves and set the tone for what followed.
Iraq responded with grit and determination. Just ten minutes later, Aymen Hussein rose like a comet at the far post, meeting a pinpoint cross with a thunderous header that split the net. The Iraqi bench erupted. Fans in the stands stood in disbelief. For a fleeting moment, hope flickered — a potential upset in the making.
But Haaland had other ideas. Before the half-time whistle blew, the Manchester City talisman struck again — this time with a ferocious drive from outside the box after a swift counter-attack caught Iraq’s defence flat-footed. The second goal wasn’t just a blow to morale; it was a statement of intent. Norway were in control, and Haaland was the architect.
The second half saw Iraq push forward with renewed urgency, but their high line left space behind, which Norway exploited with calm precision. In the 76th minute, centre-back Leo Ostigard rose unchallenged at a set-piece, nodding home a perfectly delivered corner to make it 3-1. The goal effectively killed any lingering dreams of a comeback.
Then came the cruel twist. In stoppage time, with the clock ticking past 96 minutes, Aymen Hussein — who’d already been a thorn in Norway’s side — somehow turned the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cross. The stadium fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting in disbelief. The final whistle sounded, and the scoreline stood: Norway 4, Iraq 1.
Key Moments That Mattered
That three-minute window between Iraq’s equaliser and Haaland’s second goal was pivotal. Had Iraq held firm, the game could have taken a different turn. Instead, Haaland’s ruthless efficiency dismantled their momentum. Then, Ostigard’s header wasn’t just a goal — it was a psychological dagger. And the own goal? A brutal punctuation mark on a performance full of heartbreak.
Man of the Match: Erling Haaland
There was no debate. Haaland was everywhere — not just with the goals, but with the presence. His first was a textbook poacher’s finish, his second a powerful strike that screamed authority. But beyond the numbers, it was his movement that disrupted Iraq’s backline, dragging defenders out of position and creating room for others. When the game needed a spark, Haaland delivered — twice, in under 15 minutes. That’s the difference between good and great.
What This Means
For Norway, this is the perfect start. Three points, a commanding goal difference, and a striker in scintillating form. Ståle Solbakken can now breathe easy knowing his team has both firepower and composure. With Haaland firing on all cylinders, the path to the knockout stages looks wide open.
Iraq, meanwhile, face a tough reality check. They showed flashes of brilliance — particularly through Hussein’s equaliser — and competed with courage throughout. But defensive lapses against elite opposition remain a concern. One mistake too many, and the dream slips away. That own goal was a bitter end to a valiant effort, but there’s still room to claw back. If they regroup quickly and tighten up, second place in Group I remains within reach.
One thing’s certain: in this tournament, you don’t get second chances. Norway know how to take theirs.