Haaland double helps Norway thrash Iraq 4-1 in Group I opener
Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium, powered by a Haaland brace and an own goal, topping Group I on goal difference.
On June 18, 2026, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Boston, witnessed a thrilling Group I clash. Norway, powered by a brace from superstar striker Erling Haaland and an own goal from Iraq, secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in their World Cup group stage opener.
Norway dominated the first half. In the 29th minute, David Møller Wolfe assisted Haaland to open the scoring. Iraq responded in the 39th minute when Amir Al-Ammari set up Aymen Hussein to equalize. However, just four minutes later, Haaland struck again without an assist, sending Norway into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Norway continued to press in the second half. In the 76th minute, Martin Ødegaard's assist found Leo Østigård, who headed home to make it 3-1. Deep into stoppage time (90+6'), Aymen Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sealing the final score at 4-1.
Statistically, Norway dominated across the board. They registered 12 total shots with 5 on target, compared to Iraq's 11 shots and just 1 on goal. Possession heavily favored Norway at 61%, with a pass accuracy of 89% (477 accurate passes out of 537), while Iraq managed 81% (271 of 334). Norway earned 5 corners to Iraq's 2. Expected goals (xG) stood at 2.52 for Norway versus 0.80 for Iraq. Iraq's goalkeeper made 2 saves; Norway's made none. Fouls were 12 for Iraq and 13 for Norway, with Iraq receiving one yellow card.
The player of the match was undoubtedly Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old Manchester City star played the full 90 minutes, scoring twice from 5 shots, providing 1 key pass, and completing 9 passes. His post-match rating was 8.2. Haaland, valued at €200 million, remains the focal point of Norway's attack.
After the first round of Group I, Norway and France both have 3 points, with Norway leading on goal difference (+3 to +2). Senegal and Iraq are tied on 0 points, with Senegal third on goal difference (-2 to -3).
For Norway, this emphatic victory provides a strong foundation for qualification. They face Senegal on June 23, and a win would put them on the brink of the knockout stage. Iraq, meanwhile, must face France on the same day, needing a win to keep their hopes alive.
Iraq's return to the World Cup after 40 years showed promise in attack, but defensive lapses and a costly own goal proved decisive. Norway demonstrated both collective strength and individual brilliance, with Haaland's form likely to determine how far they can go.