Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates his score during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
BOSTON, United States, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Norway claimed a 4-1 win over Iraq in their World Cup Group I opener on Tuesday, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring twice on his World Cup debut.
It was Norway's first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998, and Iraq's first in 40 years.
Haaland opened his World Cup scoring account in the 29th minute by tapping in a low cross at the far post with his left foot. Iraq leveled 10 minutes later as Aymen Hussein headed home from an Amir Alammari cross.
However, Haaland put Norway back ahead in the 43rd minute. The Manchester City forward put pressure on Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, whose attempted clearance cannoned off Haaland's shin and into the net.
Iraq searched for another equalizer. Ibrahim Bayesh's close-range volley was deflected onto the upright, Ali Alhamadi raced clear and rolled an effort wide, and Akam Hashim volleyed narrowly over from the edge of the box.
The Lions of Mesopotamia kept battling in the second half as Hussein had several attempts but failed to score.
Norway extended its lead in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard headed in from a corner.
Haaland came close to completing a hat-trick on his World Cup debut, but saw his shot saved by Hassan.
Hussein's own goal in stoppage time secured Norway's comfortable win. ■
Players of Norway hug each other after the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Norway celebrate scoring during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Aymen Hussein of Iraq reacts after his score during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Norway celebrate scoring during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates his score during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Norway greet the audience after the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Leo Ostigard (1st R) of Norway celebrates his score during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Fans of Norway react during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Erling Haaland (R) of Norway celebrates his score during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Erling Haaland (2nd R) of Norway watches the ball after shooting during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Iraq celebrate scoring during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Iraq walk into the court before the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Erling Haaland (2nd R) of Norway watches the ball after shooting during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Norway celebrate scoring during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Ahmed Qasim (2nd R, front) of Iraq competes during the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
Players of Norway do pre-match warm-up before the group I match between Norway and Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
