Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Crush Iraq 4-1 in FIFA World Cup Opener
BOSTON:Norway kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq, inspired by a brilliant two-goal performance from star striker Erling Haaland.
The opening half of the match was both entertaining and action-packed, with fans treated to fast-paced, attacking football from both sides.
Norway broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Haaland found the back of the net, giving his team an early advantage.
Iraq responded strongly and leveled the score just ten minutes later through Ayman Hussein, who finished a well-worked move to make it 1-1.
However, Haaland struck again shortly before halftime, restoring Norway’s lead and sending his side into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Norway continued to dominate after the restart and extended their lead in the 76th minute when Leo Østigård scored the team’s third goal.
The result was put beyond doubt in the closing stages when an own goal involving Ayman Hussein further increased Norway’s advantage, making it 4-1.
FULL-TIME 🇮🇶 1-4 🇳🇴
NORWAY MARK THEIR WORLD CUP RETURN WITH A STATEMENT WIN! 🔥🏆
ERLING HAALAND STEALS THE SHOW WITH A BRACE ON HIS WORLD CUP DEBUT AS THE VIKINGS TAKE ALL THREE POINTS! 🇳🇴⚽🤖 pic.twitter.com/9IoxIZjiw2
— World Cup 2026 (@ofootball__) June 17, 2026
The match ended with Norway securing a comfortable victory and three valuable points in their opening Group-stage fixture, while Haaland’s brace underlined his importance as one of the tournament’s leading stars.
With a convincing performance and four goals scored, Norway have made a strong statement of intent as they begin their quest for World Cup success.
