Haaland scored two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in the return of the World Cup World Cup 2026 news

The Manchester City striker scored his first goal in a major international tournament as Norway cruised past Iraq.

Erling Haaland scored twice in his World Cup debut as Norway gave Iraq a 4-1 win in their Group I opener in Boston.

The Manchester City striker scored his first goal in a major international competition on Tuesday as Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

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Haaland converted from close range to give Norway the lead in the 29th minute, but Aymen Hussein’s header leveled Iraq.

Haaland then pounced on a mistake at the back to put Norway ahead before half-time and take his international tally to 57 in just 51 games.

Leo Ostigard led Norway in the third period after coming off the bench to seal the win. Norway then became the fourth in stoppage time through Hussein’s goal.

The win leaves Norway top of Group I on goal difference, level with France on three points behind Les Bleus defeated Senegal 3-1 in the past. The Norwegians face the African power in their next game in New Jersey on June 22.

No team has endured a longer or more dangerous road to the World Cup than Iraqwho secured their place as 48 winners and runners-up in March after a 21-game campaign that spanned 867 days.

Hussein, who scored in the game-winning victory over Bolivia, was questioned for hours by US immigration officials when he arrived with the team ahead of the first World Cup in Iraq since 1986.

An impressive return for Norway

Norway last played in the tournament in 1998, when coach Stale Solbakken was a member of the team that beat Brazil in the group stage before exiting in the last 16. He also played in Euro 2000.

After a breeze of success, beating Italy twice, it is hoped that the golden players – led by Haaland and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard – can break new ground in North America.

Solbakken predicted that Haaland would do “very well” in his final game, and the Manchester City star was quick to deliver on that promise.

Antonio Nusa’s trickery was difficult for Iraq, and his steady pass released David Moller Wolfe clearly in front of Haaland to head in a low cross from the left.

Iraq, who had lost all their group games in their previous appearances, did not let that get to them as they equalized 10 minutes later.

Amir Alammari found space inside the area and dived over the crossbar, while Hussein rose brilliantly to head past Orjan Nyland.

But Iraq only had themselves to blame when they ended Haaland’s second half of the tournament.

Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan was quick to react after a low shot, his attempt to beat Haaland hit the net.

Iraq responded well as Ibrahim Bayesh was denied by a desperate block, Ali Alhamadi made a great run, and full-back Akam Hashim struck a stunning volley over the bar.

Ostigard nodded in Odegaard’s corner in the 76th minute to seal the points for Norway, before Haaland was thwarted by Hassan when another loose pass denied him a hat-trick.

Haaland did, however, help Norway late in the fourth, his curling header deflecting off Hussein before crossing the line.