Norway kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I at Boston Stadium, overcoming a brief setback before pulling away with a dominant second-half display.
Erling Haaland led the way with a brace as Norway climbed to the top of Group I on goal difference ahead of France, while Iraq were left searching for answers after an encouraging spell failed to produce points.
Haaland strikes first
Norway enjoyed the better of possession early on and were rewarded in the 29th minute when Erling Haaland finished from close range after being picked out by David Møller Wolfe.
The lead lasted just ten minutes. Iraq responded through captain Aymen Hussein, who powered home a header from Amir Al-Ammari’s delivery to level the match at 1-1 and briefly swing momentum in their favour.
However, Norway restored their advantage before halftime. Haaland struck again in the 43rd minute, ensuring the Scandinavians headed into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Norway pull away after the break
Iraq searched for another equaliser after halftime but Norway remained in control.
Manager Ståle Solbakken introduced fresh legs midway through the second half, including Leo Østigård, Andreas Schjelderup, Kristian Thorstvedt and Oscar Bobb.
The changes paid immediate dividends as Østigård headed home from a Martin Ødegaard delivery in the 76th minute to make it 3-1 and effectively end Iraq’s resistance.
Deep into stoppage time, Iraq’s misery was compounded when Aymen Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Norway a commanding 4-1 victory.
Match Statistics
Norway controlled much of the contest with:
- 63% possession
- 12 shots to Iraq’s 11
- 6 shots on target compared to Iraq’s 1
- 530 completed passes with 90% accuracy
Iraq battled throughout but struggled to convert their opportunities, managing just one effort on target despite creating 11 attempts.
Group I standings
The victory moves Norway to the top of Group I with three points and a +3 goal difference, ahead of France who also opened with a win.
Group I after Matchday 1:
- Norway – 3 pts (+3)
- France – 3 pts (+2)
- Senegal – 0 pts (-2)
- Iraq – 0 pts (-3)
Norway now take significant momentum into their next group fixture, while Iraq face an uphill battle to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
