In the second match of Group I at the 2026 World Cup in Boston, Norway national football team secured a convincing 4–1 victory over Iraq national football team, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in a commanding performance.
Norway struck first in the 29th minute when Haaland reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and finished to score his first goal of the tournament. Iraq responded in the 39th minute, as Amir Al-Ammari delivered a cross that Ayman Hussein met with a superb header to level the match.
The parity did not last long. Just four minutes later, in the 43rd minute, Haaland punished a defensive error from Iraq and restored Norway’s lead with a composed finish in front of goal.
In the second half, Norway maintained full control of possession and tempo. In the 77th minute, a precise cross from Martin Ødegaard was headed in by Leo Østigård to make it 3–1 and put the game beyond Iraq’s reach.
Deep into stoppage time (90+7), Kristian Thorstvedt added a fourth goal to cap off a dominant display and underline Norway’s superiority.
With this result, Norway collected three points from their opening match and sent a strong message early in the group stage.
