Haaland Double on World Cup Debut as Norway Crush Iraq 4-1
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Erling Haaland announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with a stunning double as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener. The Manchester City striker’s 56th and 57th international goals powered Norway to victory in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
- Score: Norway 4-1 Iraq
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: June 16, 2026
- Key Performers: Erling Haaland (2 goals), Leo Ostigard, Kristian Thorstvedt
Haaland’s World Cup Debut: A Statement Performance
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, sliding to meet a David Moller Wolfe cross and using his right heel to divert the ball into the net. The goal ignited the Norwegian supporters, who responded with synchronized Viking chants. Iraq equalized nine minutes later through Aymen Hussein, who headed home from an Amir Alammari cross. But Haaland struck again just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive blunder. A poor back pass to goalkeeper Jalal Hassan allowed Haaland to intercept and poke the ball home with his shin.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken praised Haaland’s composure. “You could see that he lived up to the occasion. The occasion wasn’t too big for him,” Solbakken said. Haaland himself remained grounded: “Of course I will try. It’s about continuing and don’t think too much. It’s difficult at this stage. But I’ll focus on the next game and of course be happy. But also stay calm.”
Key Player Stats
| Player | Goals | Assists | Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland (Norway) | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Aymen Hussein (Iraq) | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Martin Odegaard (Norway) | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Second-Half Dominance
Norway took control in the second half. Leo Ostigard scored from a Martin Odegaard corner in the 76th minute, and Kristian Thorstvedt added a header soon after. An own goal by Iraq’s Aymen Hussein in stoppage time completed the scoring. Iraq coach Graham Arnold lamented the defensive error: “It’s one of those things. It happened. It is what it is and we have to learn from it.” Iraq’s Hussein Ali added: “It’s a proud moment to be back in the World Cup after 40 years. To lose 4-1, it hurts.”
What’s Next for Norway and Iraq
Norway will face a sterner test in their next group match against a strong opponent, while Iraq must regroup quickly to keep their knockout hopes alive. With Haaland in this form, Norway look capable of making a deep run. For more World Cup coverage, check out India Eye Clean Sweep vs Sri Lanka in 3rd T20 and IPL 2026: Punjab Kings Top Table, Klaasen Leads Orange Cap Race.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the World Cup action live on Fox Sports, Telemundo, and streaming platforms like Peacock and FuboTV. In the UK, BBC and ITV will broadcast matches. Check local listings for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did Erling Haaland score in his World Cup debut?
Haaland scored two goals in his World Cup debut against Iraq, bringing his international tally to 57.
When was the last time Norway played in a World Cup before 2026?
Norway’s last World Cup appearance before 2026 was in 1998, where they reached the knockout round.
What was the score of the Norway vs Iraq World Cup match?
Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener at Gillette Stadium.
Who scored for Iraq against Norway?
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s only goal, an equalizer in the 38th minute, before later scoring an own goal.
