Erling Haaland's Dream World Cup Debut Powers Norway to Victory Over Iraq

Erling Haaland scored a brace on his World Cup debut as Norway thumped Iraq 4-1 in Group I at Boston Stadium in in Massachusetts.

The prolific striker opened the scoring for Norway, sliding in at the back post to convert a cross from David Moller Wolfe in the 29th minute.

Ten minutes later, veteran forward Aymen Hussein became just the second Iraqi player to score a World Cup goal as he rose to meet Amir Al Ammari’s chipped cross and plant a header past Nyland.

Haaland then pounced on a mix-up between Zaid Tahseen and Jalal Hassan to restore Norway’s advantage and send them to the break with a lead for the first team at a World Cup.

Substitute Leo Ostigard, three-and-a-half minutes after his second-half arrival, extended the lead as he was left all alone at a corner to stride towards goal and power a header past Hassan.

A late Hussein own goal saw Norway complete an ultimately comfortable win to move to the head of the Group I standings.

“My first goal was nice, the second even nicer so it’s fantastic and I’m proud of everyone that we could get off to a good start. We know though that the next games will be even tougher and we will have to play even better," Haaland said after their win.

"We were expected to win and we won fortunately. Now everybody in Norway will be happy and I hope people will party.”

Chosen by the fans: Erling Haaland, your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match. 👑#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/ELaueyLcHO

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

Player of the Match:Erling Haaland (Norway)