Haaland Double Powers Norway Past Iraq
Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup bow as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener in Boston, Aymen Hussein’s equaliser the only blemish.
E rling Haaland marked his first World Cup appearance with two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium, in front of 63,106. Back at the World Cup, Norway proved too strong after Iraq had briefly levelled.
Haaland strikes twice
Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute for his first World Cup goal. Aymen Hussein headed Iraq level in the 39th, but Haaland restored Norway’s lead before the break in the 43rd, punishing a defensive error.
Norway pull away
Leo Ostigard headed a third in the 76th minute, and Norway completed the rout deep in stoppage time when Hussein turned the ball into his own net for 4-1.
Group I
Norway join France on a winning start in Group I, which also features Senegal and Iraq.
Reporting: based on official FIFA match data and reports from FIFA, World Soccer Talk and Yahoo Sports, June 17, 2026.