Image: from World Cup 2026 X @ofootball__
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Norway celebrated its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in Massachusetts, opening its 2026 campaign with an impressive display led by star striker Erling Haaland.
For both nations, the match represented the fulfillment of a dream years in the making. Iraq returned to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986, while Norway made its first appearance in the tournament since France 1998, ending a 28-year absence.
The significance of the occasion appeared to weigh heavily on both teams during a cautious opening period. Norway, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, and Iraq, operating primarily in a 4-4-2 system, largely neutralized one another in a slow and tense first half-hour.
With neither side creating clear opportunities, the contest seemed destined to remain locked in a tactical battle until Norway’s biggest star stepped forward.
In the 29th minute, Erling Haaland needed only a single chance to make his mark. Defender David Møller Wolfe surged forward and delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, where the Manchester City striker applied a clinical finish from close range to put Norway ahead.
The goal injected life into the match and sparked an immediate response from Iraq.
Just minutes later, striker Aymen Hussein produced a powerful header to equalize, sending Iraqi supporters into celebration. Hussein’s goal carried particular emotional significance. The forward has endured extraordinary personal hardship throughout his life, including the loss of his father and the disappearance of his brother during years of conflict in Iraq. His journey to the World Cup has become one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.
However, Iraq’s joy proved short-lived.
A costly defensive error shortly before halftime gifted Norway another opportunity. Miscommunication at the back allowed Haaland to pounce on a loose ball, and the striker made no mistake, scoring his second goal of the night in the 43rd minute to restore Norway’s lead.
The decisive moment shifted the momentum firmly in Norway’s favor.
After the break, the Scandinavian side controlled proceedings with greater confidence. Iraq attempted to increase possession and push forward in search of another equalizer, but struggled to test Norway’s defense or goalkeeper seriously.
As the second half progressed, Norway’s depth began to show. Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup entered the match as one of several substitutes eager to experience his first World Cup appearance.
The victory was effectively secured in the 77th minute when defender Leo Skiri Østigård rose above the Iraqi defense to power home a header and make it 3-1.
Norway added a fourth goal in stoppage time when an unfortunate own goal by Hussein capped a difficult ending for the Iraqi side, despite their spirited effort throughout much of the contest.
For Norway, the result marks an ideal start to the tournament and strengthens hopes of advancing beyond the group stage. For Iraq, the scoreline may be disappointing, but simply returning to football’s biggest stage after four decades remains a remarkable achievement.
Haaland Continues Historic Scoring Form
The standout performer was once again Erling Haaland. The Norwegian captain scored twice and continued his extraordinary international record, which now stands at 57 goals in just 51 appearances for his country.
Making his World Cup debut, Haaland once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the most lethal strikers in world football and immediately positioned himself among the early contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
The Key Moment
The turning point arrived in the 43rd minute. Iraq had only recently equalized when a defensive lapse gifted possession to Haaland inside the penalty area. His second goal restored Norway’s advantage and effectively shifted the match beyond Iraq’s reach.
Norway now moves forward with confidence, while Iraq will seek to build on the positive moments from its emotional return to the World Cup stage.