Haaland Double Powers Norway to 4–1 Win Over Iraq

Norway announced their return to the World Cup with a powerful 4–1 victory over Iraq at Gillette Stadium in Boston, inspired by two goals from the unstoppable Erling Haaland. Iraq, back on the world stage after a long absence, fought hard and found a goal of their own — but ultimately could not contain one of the most lethal strikers on the planet.

Haaland Takes Centre Stage

Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, powering Norway ahead with the kind of clinical finish that has made him one of the most feared forwards in world football. Iraq responded superbly: Aymen Hussein, the talismanic striker who carried so much of Iraq's qualification hopes, levelled in the 39th minute to briefly silence the Norwegian celebrations and give the Lions of Mesopotamia genuine belief.

That belief lasted only four minutes. Haaland restored Norway's lead before half-time with his second of the night, and the momentum swung decisively back in Norway's favour.

Norway Pull Away

The second half saw Norway tighten their grip. Leo Østigård added a third in the 76th minute, and the scoring was rounded off in the cruellest fashion when Hussein — Iraq's hero earlier in the night — turned the ball into his own net deep in stoppage time (90+6) to make it 4–1.

For Haaland, two goals on his World Cup bow is the perfect statement. For Norway, a team built to feed their star striker, it was a near-ideal start.

What It Means

Norway sit top of their group after a confident opening performance. With Haaland in this mood and a system designed to supply him, they will be a difficult side for anyone to handle.

Iraq leave with no points but plenty of pride. Hussein's goal — Iraq's moment of quality against elite opposition — is exactly the kind of memory their passionate supporters will treasure, even on a night that ended in a heavy defeat. The challenge now is to recover and compete in their remaining group matches.

Follow Iraq and every Arab nation at World Cup 2026 live on KickD — real-time scores, goal alerts and group standings updated every 60 seconds.

KickD Sports Desk

Our editorial team covers Arab football and the FIFA World Cup 2026 live on kickd.net — real-time scores, group standings, and match analysis updated around the clock.

⚡ Follow the action live

Real-time scores for every World Cup 2026 match on KickD