Erling Haaland announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with two goals as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday, marking their return to a major international tournament for the first time in 26 years.
The Manchester City forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute in Boston, finishing from close range after a well-worked move. However, Iraq quickly responded through Aymen Hussein, whose powerful header restored parity.
Haaland struck again before the break, capitalising on a defensive blunder to restore Norway’s lead and raise his international tally to an impressive 57 goals in just 51 appearances.
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Substitute Leo Ostigard extended Norway’s advantage in the second half, heading home shortly after entering the game. The Scandinavians completed the rout in stoppage time when a looping Haaland header deflected off Hussein and into the net for an own goal.
The victory moved Norway to the summit of Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France, who earlier secured a 3-1 win over Senegal. Norway will next face the French side in New Jersey on June 22.
Iraq’s journey to the World Cup had been one of the longest and most demanding among all participating nations. The Asian side secured the tournament’s final qualification spot in March after navigating a gruelling 21-match campaign spanning 867 days.
Adding to their challenges, captain Hussein — whose goal against Bolivia sealed qualification — was reportedly detained and questioned by U.S. immigration authorities upon arrival before eventually joining the squad.
Norway, meanwhile, are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Head coach Stale Solbakken, who played in that tournament and at Euro 2000, is hoping a talented generation led by Haaland and Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard can guide the nation to new heights.
Before the tournament, Solbakken predicted Haaland would leave a significant mark on the competition, and the prolific striker wasted little time proving him right.
Antonio Nusa caused persistent problems for Iraq’s defence, and it was his clever pass that released David Moller Wolfe down the left flank. Wolfe’s low delivery found Haaland, who stretched to convert and put Norway ahead.
Iraq refused to back down and levelled matters 10 minutes later. Amir Al-Ammari delivered a precise cross into the box, where Hussein rose highest to head beyond goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
But Iraq handed Norway another opportunity before halftime. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated when dealing with a weak backpass, and his attempted clearance struck Haaland before ricocheting into the net.
Despite trailing, Iraq continued to threaten. Ibrahim Bayesh was denied by a crucial defensive intervention, Ali Al-Hamadi dragged an effort wide, and Akam Hashim narrowly missed with a spectacular volley.
Norway eventually sealed the result in the 76th minute when Ostigard powered home Odegaard’s corner. Haaland later came close to completing his hat-trick, only to be denied by Hassan after another defensive lapse.
The striker still played a role in Norway’s fourth goal, as his looping header across the face of goal took a touch off Hussein before crossing the line.
The emphatic win underlined Norway’s ambitions in North America and provided the perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
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