Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Crush Iraq in World Cup Return

Norway marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq, as Erling Haaland continued his prolific form with a brace on his tournament debut.

The Group clash at the 2026 World Cup delivered an entertaining first half, with all three goals coming before the break. Norway struck first through Haaland in the 29th minute, before Iraq responded with a well-taken equaliser from Ayman Hussein ten minutes later. However, Haaland restored Norway’s lead just before half-time, ensuring his side went into the break 2-1 ahead.

The match remained lively from the start, with end-to-end action inside the opening half-hour. Norway broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Haaland finished clinically after a sliding effort. Iraq hit back in the 39th minute through Hussein’s powerful header, briefly shifting momentum.

Just as Iraq looked to settle, Haaland struck again in the 43rd minute to reclaim the lead for Norway, capping a dramatic spell in which three goals were scored in just 14 minutes.

In stoppage time of the first half, Iraq nearly found an equaliser when Ali Al-Hamadi was denied at the last moment by a Norwegian defender, before Akam Hashim sent a long-range effort over the bar from the resulting corner.

After the interval, Iraq pushed forward in search of a comeback, creating several promising chances. However, Norway gradually regained control and began to assert their dominance.

Ayman Hussein came close again for Iraq, but his header went narrowly wide, while another effort from Hussein Ali sailed over the crossbar as pressure mounted without reward.

Norway then extended their lead in the 76th minute through Leo Østigård, who rose highest to meet a superb corner from Martin Ødegaard and powered a header past the Iraqi defence, effectively sealing the contest.

Haaland came close to completing his hat-trick late on, but Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan produced a fine close-range save to deny him.

However, there was no stopping Norway’s fourth goal in stoppage time, as Iraq’s Ayman inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear under pressure, completing a dominant 4-1 win for the Scandinavians.

The result marks a strong statement from Norway on their World Cup return, with Haaland once again underlining his status as one of the most lethal forwards in world football.