World Cup 2026: Haaland Scores Twice As Norway Return With Win Over Iraq

Haaland brace powers Norway past Iraq

Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway beat Iraq at Gillette Stadium. It’s Norway’s largest ever WC win, with Haaland, Ostigard and an own goal sealing it after Aymen Hussein’s equaliser.

Haaland announces himself, brace on debut as Norway thrash Iraq 4-1 at World Cup...

Erling Haaland announced himself at the World Cup with a brace on debut as Norway hammered Iraq 4-1 in Group I at Gillette Stadium. It’s Norway’s biggest ever win at a finals.

Boston’s clear night produced a lightning first half. In the 28th minute Norway carved Iraq open and Haaland tapped in at the back post after David Moller Wolfe’s perfect low cross for his first World Cup goal.

Iraq had other ideas about collapsing though. They hit back 10 minutes later. Amir Al-Ammari raced to the left byline and floated it to the back post, where Aymen Hussein powered a header into the bottom corner.

Iraq’s joy didn’t last to halftime. They handed Norway the lead with an own goal. Zaid Tahseen’s safe backpass turned into a nightmare when keeper Jalal Hassan hesitated, letting Haaland sprint in and block his clearance into the net.

Iraq responded well. They went close 3 times in the last 5 minutes of the half. Ali Al-Hamadi and Ibrahim Bayesh were stopped by last-ditch Norway defending, then Akam Hashim volleyed just over from the left right on halftime.

After the chaos of the first half, things calmed down after the break. Neither side had a shot on target until the 76th minute, when sub Leo Ostigard made it 3-1 and killed the game off.

Genoa’s Leo Ostigard rose above everyone to meet Martin Odegaard’s corner and glanced it in from close range. That sealed the win as Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Iraq’s search for a first World Cup win goes on. It ended with a cruel twist - a late Aymen Hussein own goal. The striker was jostling with Kristian Thorstvedt on the line when the ball bounced off him and in.