Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with two goals as Norway triumphed 4-1 over Iraq in their Group I opener at Boston Stadium. The match witnessed Leo Ostigard also finding the net for Norway.
Norway and Iraq made their return to the global stage after a long absence, with Haaland, a prolific scorer with over 50 international goals, securing an early lead for Norway.
Orjan Nyland, at 35 years and 279 days, became the oldest player to feature in a World Cup game for Norway, showcasing his experience on the field.
Erling Haaland capitalized on a defensive error to score his second goal, regaining the lead for Norway after Aymen Hussein’s equalizer for Iraq.
Leo Østigård, as a second-half substitute, further extended Norway’s lead with a well-placed header, sealing a comfortable victory for his team.
Haaland’s impressive performance made him one of the few players to start the World Cup 2026 with a brace, setting a positive tone for Norway in the tournament.
In post-match remarks, Haaland expressed his delight at the win and emphasized the need for continued strong performances in upcoming matches.
Following this victory, Norway leads Group I on goal difference, with France closely behind, while Iraq and Senegal occupy the lower positions in the group standings.
