Norway Beat Iraq 4-1 as Haaland's Brace Sends Them Top of Group I
Norway opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq as Erling Haaland scored twice and Martin Ødegaard controlled the midfield in a performance that sent the Scandinavian side to the top of Group I.
The final score looked comfortable, but Iraq remained competitive for long stretches before Norway's quality eventually took over.
Norway finished Matchday 1 level on points with France but moved ahead on goal difference after the opening round of group matches.
Haaland strikes first before Iraq answer back
Norway's breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute.
David Møller Wolfe delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Haaland met it with a left-footed finish from close range, firing into the top-right corner to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
Iraq responded impressively ten minutes later.
In the 39th minute, Amir Al Ammari produced a precise cross and Aymen Hussein rose highest inside the box before directing a header into the bottom-right corner to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer briefly shifted momentum.
Norway regained control before halftime.
Haaland struck again in the 43rd minute, reacting quickest inside the six-yard area to finish from close range and restore Norway's advantage.
The brace gave Norway a 2-1 lead at the break.
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Norway's control finally showed on the scoreboard
The score remained 2-1 for more than 30 minutes after halftime.
Norway continued to dominate possession and territory while Iraq struggled to create clear opportunities in the final third.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 76th minute.
Ødegaard delivered a corner into the six-yard box and Leo Østigård powered a header into the high center of the goal to make it 3-1.
The goal rewarded a sustained spell of Norwegian pressure.
Official FIFA match statistics showed Norway finished with 63% possession, completed 530 passes and recorded 90% passing accuracy compared with Iraq's 37% possession and 335 passes.
Iraq remained committed defensively but spent long periods chasing the ball.
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Late own goal completes the scoreline
The match appeared settled after Østigård's goal.
There was still one final twist in stoppage time.
In the 90+6th minute, Aymen Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Norway a fourth goal and stretching the final margin to 4-1.
The own goal was harsh on Iraq's captain, who had earlier scored his country's only goal of the match.
While the scoreline suggests a one-sided contest, Iraq remained within reach until the closing stages.
Norway's superior finishing ultimately made the difference.
The Scandinavian side produced six shots on target from 12 attempts, while Iraq managed only one shot on target despite recording 11 total efforts.
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Goal Timeline
29' — Iraq 0-1 Norway
⚽ Erling Haaland
*Assist: David Møller Wolfe*
39' — Iraq 1-1 Norway
⚽ Aymen Hussein
*Assist: Amir Al Ammari*
43' — Iraq 1-2 Norway
⚽ Erling Haaland
76' — Iraq 1-3 Norway
⚽ Leo Østigård
*Assist: Martin Ødegaard*
90+6' — Iraq 1-4 Norway
⚽ Own Goal — Aymen Hussein
Cards
86'
🟨 Zaid Tahseen (Iraq)
Booked for a bad foul.
Match Statistics
| Stat | Iraq | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 11 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 6 |
| Possession | 37% | 63% |
| Passes | 335 | 530 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% | 90% |
| Fouls | 12 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
| Corners | 2 | 5 |
Group I Standings After Matchday 1
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | 3 | +3 |
| France | 3 | +2 |
| Senegal | 0 | -2 |
| Iraq | 0 | -3 |
Key Takeaways
- Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their World Cup opener
- Erling Haaland scored twice before halftime
- Leo Østigård added the decisive third goal
- Martin Ødegaard provided an assist and controlled midfield
- Iraq managed just one shot on target
- Norway moved top of Group I on goal difference
