Norway marked its first World Cup appearance in 28 years with a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq at Boston Stadium, as Erling Haaland scored twice on his tournament debut to lead the Group I victory.
Norway announced its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup stage in style on June 16,Tuesday night, defeating World Cup newcomers Iraq 4-1 at Boston Stadium in a Group I clash that delivered goals, drama, and a standout individual performance from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian star striker tallied twice in his World Cup debut, paving the way to the win over Iraq in Foxborough. The result gives Norway a strong start to its first World Cup campaign since 1998, while Iraq — playing in the tournament for the first time since 1986 — will look to regroup before a daunting fixture against tournament favorites France.
Match Summary
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group I |
| Venue | Boston Stadium, Foxborough, MA |
| Final Score | Iraq 1 — 4 Norway |
| Goals | Haaland (29′, 43′), Ostigard (76′), Hussein OG (90+6′) — Norway; Hussein (39′) — Iraq |
How the Match Unfolded
Norway settled into the contest quickly and took the lead in the 29th minute through their captain and most recognizable star. A move that began with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland built through more than a dozen passes before David Moller Wolfe delivered a cross from the left that Haaland slid in to convert at the back post.
Iraq responded just ten minutes later and gave their traveling support — who had packed the streets of Boston in the days before kickoff — something to celebrate. Veteran forward Aymen Hussein became just the second Iraqi player to score a World Cup goal, rising to meet Amir Al Ammari’s chipped cross and heading the ball past Nyland to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer proved short-lived. Haaland struck again before the break, capitalizing on a mix-up between Zaid Tahseen and Jalal Hassan to restore Norway’s lead and send the sides into halftime with the Scandinavians back in front, 2-1.
Norway extended its advantage in the second half when defender Leo Ostigard got on the scoresheet. Ostigard scored in the 76th minute, assisted by Martin Odegaard, pushing the lead out to 3-1 and effectively settling the contest.
The result was confirmed in stoppage time in cruel fashion for the Iraqi side. Norway grabbed a fourth when Ajer controlled the ball on the right before floating a delivery to the back post, where Haaland headed it back across goal and substitute Kristian Thorstvedt’s flick was inadvertently turned into the net by Hussein, completing the scoring and sealing a 4-1 final.
Key Performers
Erling Haaland was the standout performer of the night, continuing his prolific scoring form on the international stage in his first-ever World Cup appearance. He entered the tournament having already passed the half-century mark for international goals, and his two first-half strikes set the tone for Norway’s victory.
Aymen Hussein gave Iraq a moment to remember, becoming only the second player in the nation’s history to score at a World Cup. Hussein, who plays domestically for Al-Karma, and midfielder Amir Al Ammari of Ipswich Town led an Iraqi side that competed well in spells despite the eventual scoreline.
Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal captain, also impressed in midfield, setting up Ostigard’s second-half goal and helping Norway control large portions of the match.
Context: Two Nations Ending Long World Cup Droughts
The fixture carried extra significance beyond the three points on offer. Iraq and Norway had never previously met in either a major international tournament or a friendly, making this a genuinely uncharted meeting between the two federations.
Norway entered its first World Cup in 28 years, while Iraq was returning to the tournament for the first time in 40 years, since 1986. Norway had cruised through European qualifying, winning all eight of its matches while scoring 37 goals and conceding just five, arriving in the United States as one of the form teams of the qualification cycle.
Iraq’s path to Boston was considerably more difficult. The team qualified by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the inter-confederation playoffs, with wins hard to come by in the lead-up — Andorra being the only other side Iraq had beaten over the course of the year.
The atmosphere around the match reflected the occasion. Large crowds of Iraqi supporters packed Downtown Crossing in Boston in the days before the match, waving flags and marching through the streets in support of their team, while Norwegian fans brought their own traditions to Foxborough.
What’s Next
Norway will carry momentum and a perfect goal difference into its next Group I fixture against Senegal, looking to build on a performance that announced its arrival as a tournament contender.
Iraq, meanwhile, faces a significant step up in competition. The side will next take on France, the tournament favorites, in a fixture that will test how much Iraq’s young squad can learn from Tuesday’s defeat before facing one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Match played at Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I stage.
