Norway Thrashes Iraq 4-1, Haaland Runs Riot in the Opening Match for the 2026 World Cup

Norway National Team crushed Iraq with a convincing 4-1 scoreline at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, United States, on Wednesday morning WIB. Erling Haaland emerged as the standout star, netting two goals and commanding Landslaget's dominant performance in their tournament opening fixture.

From the very first whistle, Stale Solbakken's side played with high intensity, utilising aggressive pressing and sustained ball possession. This tactic left Iraq unable to build structured attacks, repeatedly forcing errors deep inside their own defensive half.

Norway's relentless pressure finally broke through in the 29th minute. Following a sharp sequence of quick one-touch passes, David Moller Wolfe delivered a pinpoint cross from the left wing that was finished first time by Erling Haaland directly in front of goal, Putting Norway 1-0 ahead.

Despite being pinned back for large periods, Iraq refused to surrender. Nicknamed the Lions of Mesopotamia, the side slowly settled into their rhythm and began targeting gaps that opened up behind Norway's advanced defensive line.

In the 39th minute, Ali Jasim lifted an accurate looping pass into the penalty area which Aymen Hussein met with a well-directed header. The ball sailed just out of Orjan Nyland's reach, bringing the score level at 1-1.

This equaliser would only stand for minutes, before a catastrophic defensive error completely shifted the momentum of the match.

A routine back pass to Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan in the 43rd minute turned disastrous. Hassan hesitated on the ball as Haaland closed down with pressing pressure, allowing the Norwegian striker to dispossess him before calmly rolling the ball into the unguarded net. It was Haaland's second goal of the night, and restored Norway's lead at 2-1.

After the restart, Iraq came out with far greater attacking ambition. Ibrahim Bayesh delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank that Aymen Hussein connected with on the header, only for the effort to drift just wide of the post.

Just as Iraq began committing extra players forward on attack, Norway punished them via a dead ball situation. In the 76th minute, Martin Odegaard swung an accurate corner kick that was met with a thunderous header from Leo Ostigard, stretching Landslaget's advantage to 3-1.

Sitting comfortably on a two goal cushion, Norway closed out the match with full control of possession. Their final goal arrived in stoppage time: Haaland directed a header towards the Iraq goalmouth, which deflected off Aymen Hussein and crossed the line for an own goal. This strike sealed a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Norway.