Haaland Double Sinks Iraq as Norway Win 4-1
Updated 17 June 2026.
Iraq vs Norway at World Cup 2026 finished 4-1 to Norway, with Erling Haaland scoring twice on his World Cup debut as Stale Solbakken’s side made a statement in Group I. Haaland struck either side of the half-hour mark, Leo Østigård added a third, and Aymen Hussein’s stoppage-time own goal completed the rout in front of 63,106 fans at Gillette Stadium.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Iraq 1-4 Norway |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group I |
| Venue | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (att. 63,106) |
| Norway scorers | Haaland 29′, 43′; Østigård 76′; Hussein og 90+6′ |
| Iraq scorer | Hussein 39′ |
How Norway ran riot
This was the Haaland show from the moment Norway settled. He opened the scoring on 29 minutes, finishing the kind of chance he buries for Manchester City, and Iraq could not find an answer before half-time arrived. Aymen Hussein briefly threatened a way back, pulling one level on 39 minutes with a debut World Cup goal of his own, but Haaland restored the lead just four minutes later to make it 2-1 at the break.
Norway never let Iraq back into it in the second half. Leo Østigård headed in a third on 76 minutes, and Hussein turned the ball into his own net deep in stoppage time to put a brutal final gloss on the scoreline. Iraq had moments, but a four-goal margin was a fair reflection of the gulf on the night.
Haaland delivers on his World Cup arrival
Norway have waited since 1998 to be back at a World Cup, and Erling Haaland made sure the wait ended with a statement. Two goals on his tournament debut, both clinically taken, confirmed why he arrives as one of the standout strikers in the 48-team field. Solbakken’s side now sit top of Group I on goal difference, level on points with France after round one.
What it means for Group I
Norway’s win moves them above France at the top of Group I, both on three points but Norway ahead on goals scored. Iraq, beaten in their tournament opener, now need a response against Senegal to keep their knockout hopes alive. Follow the group on our standings page.
What is next
Both sides return to Group I action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. Catch up on the rest of the day’s games in our June 16 roundup, and see the format, venues and full schedule in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Iraq vs Norway?
Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their World Cup 2026 Group I opener on 16 June at Gillette Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
How many goals did Haaland score against Iraq?
Erling Haaland scored twice, on 29 and 43 minutes, on his World Cup debut as Norway won 4-1.
Did Iraq score against Norway?
Yes, Aymen Hussein scored for Iraq in the 39th minute, but he also turned the ball into his own net in stoppage time as Norway pulled away.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I.
