FIFA World Cup 2026: How Haaland's First-Half Brace Fired Norway Past Iraq 4-1 on Their Long-Awaited Return

Group I also called the pool of death came alive as Norway made an emphatic return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years, defeating Iraq 4-1.

Erling Haaland leading the charge with a first-half brace and the Manchester City man led the fireworks in the Boston Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result puts Norway level on points with France, setting up a mouth-watering clash between the two European sides later in the group stage.

Iraq began confidently, pressing high and matching Norway in midfield during the opening exchanges. Martin Ødegaard skipper of the Premier League Champions Arsenal was wearing the captain band for Norway and dictated possession, but Iraq remained organised and looked threatening on the counterattack.

Norway finally broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when David Møller Wolfe whipped in a low cross from the left and Erling Haaland timed his run to perfection, sliding the ball beyond goalkeeper Jalal Hassan for 1-0.

Just ten minutes later, Iraq responded brilliantly with a splendid equaliser. Aymen Hussein rose highest inside the box to head home a teasing cross, levelling the scores at 1-1 in the 39th minute and rewarding Iraq's enterprising start.

The parity lasted barely four minutes as Jalal Hassan's attempted clearance ricocheted off the pressing Haaland and rolled into the net, handing Norway a fortunate but valuable lead in the 43rd minute.

Leading 2-1, Ståle Solbakken had his Norway side take complete control after the break. Their midfield slowed the tempo, dominated possession and gradually forced Iraq deeper into their own half.

The decisive blow arrived in the 76th minute through Leo Østigård, the central defender who powered home a header from a set-piece to make it 3-1. Iraq's defense was struggling against the physical presence and jostling of Haaland when Østigård attacked the other post. The Lions of Mesopotamia pushed forward in search of another goal but could not find inroads through the Norwegian defence.

Deep into stoppage time, Norway added a fourth as sustained pressure and a towering header from Haaland forced an unfortunate own goal by Aymen Hussein, completing a convincing 4-1 victory.

Haaland once again proved why he is among the world's most feared strikers, combining intelligent movement with relentless pressing to score twice. Ødegaard controlled the midfield with authority, while Østigård's commanding display at both ends of the pitch capped an impressive team performance.

For Iraq, the scoreline was harsh. Graham Arnold's side showed courage, matched Norway for much of the first half and briefly looked capable of upsetting one of Europe's strongest teams. However, costly defensive errors and Norway's ruthless finishing ultimately decided the contest.

Norway's return to football's biggest stage could hardly have been more convincing. Four goals, three points and a confident all-round display have firmly established the Scandinavians as genuine contenders to progress from Group I. Iraq, despite the defeat, showed enough quality to believe they can still challenge in their remaining matches against France and Senegal.