Erling Haaland scores twice as Norway joins France atop the standings after a convincing victory over Iraq.
Norway opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style, defeating Iraq 4-1 and moving level with France at the top of Group I after Matchday 1.
Erling Haaland once again proved decisive, scoring twice in the first half before second-half goals from substitute Leo Østigård and an unfortunate late own goal sealed a comfortable victory for Ståle Solbakken’s side.
The final scoreline may look emphatic, but Iraq showed encouraging signs for long stretches of the match and even managed to pull level midway through the opening half. However, individual mistakes and Norway’s superior attacking quality ultimately made the difference.
The Scandinavians needed just one clear opportunity to take the lead. In the 29th minute, David Møller Wolfe delivered an excellent ball into the penalty area and Haaland made no mistake, finishing clinically to put Norway ahead.
Iraq reacted positively and found an equalizer ten minutes later. Midfielder Ali Al-Ammari supplied a dangerous pass into the box, where captain Aymen Hussein took advantage of defensive hesitation to score and make it 1-1.
The joy for Graham Arnold’s side was short-lived.
Just four minutes later, a costly misunderstanding between goalkeeper Jalal Hassan and defender Rebin Sulaka Tahseen gifted possession back to Norway. Haaland reacted quickest to the loose ball and calmly slotted home his second goal of the evening, restoring Norway’s lead at 2-1 before halftime.
The second half remained competitive, with Iraq attempting to push forward in search of another equalizer, but Norway increasingly controlled possession through Martin Ødegaard and Patrick Berg.
The decisive third goal finally arrived in the 76th minute. Ødegaard’s precise delivery found substitute Leo Østigård, who finished confidently to extend Norway’s advantage and effectively end Iraq’s hopes of a comeback.
Deep into stoppage time, Norway added a fourth goal in unfortunate fashion for Iraq. Under pressure inside his own penalty area, Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, completing a difficult evening for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
The victory allows Norway to share first place in Group I with France, which defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day. Iraq, meanwhile, finds itself under immediate pressure heading into its second group-stage fixture, not only because of the defeat but also due to the impact on goal difference.
Match Report: Iraq 1-4 Norway
Goals: 29′ Haaland (NOR), 39′ Hussein (IRQ), 43′ Haaland (NOR), 76′ Østigård (NOR), 90+7′ Own Goal Hussein (NOR)
Assists: Møller Wolfe (0-1), Al-Ammari (1-1), Ødegaard (1-3)
Iraq (4-4-2): Hassan; Ali (73′ Saadoon), Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh (78′ Meme), Al-Ammari, Ismail (59′ Iqbal), Jasim (73′ Qasem); Hussein, Al-Hamadi (59′ Farji).
Head Coach: Graham Arnold
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe (73′ Østigård); Ødegaard (81′ Berg), Berg, Aursnes (73′ Thorstvedt); Sørloth (73′ Bobb), Haaland, Nusa (73′ Schjelderup).
Head Coach: Ståle Solbakken
Referee: Not available
Yellow Cards: Tahseen (Iraq)
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group I
