Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited World Cup debut with a brace as Norway routed Iraq 4-1 in Group I at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday, giving the Scandinavians an immediate statement in the tournament. Norway led 2-1 at half-time after Haaland’s two strikes and extended the margin in the second half before a late own goal sealed the win, putting Norway top of the group on goal difference. (en.prothomalo.com)
The opening goal came in the 29th minute when Haaland slid in at the far post to meet a low cross from left-back David Møller Wolfe. Iraq levelled through veteran striker Aymen Hussein’s header in the 39th minute, but Haaland restored the lead four minutes later when a hesitant back pass was turned into the net off the goalkeeper’s touch and the striker’s knee. Substitute Leo Østigård nodded home from a corner in the 76th minute and, in stoppage time, another deflection off Hussein completed the 4-1 scoreline. The match was briefly disrupted at half-time when a sprinkler malfunction sent stadium staff onto the pitch to dry a soggy patch. (en.prothomalo.com)
Haaland’s two goals came in his first World Cup appearance and underline why he is seen as the tournament’s most feared finisher; his club and international form going into the finals had set high expectations. Norway’s return to the World Cup stage — their first appearance since 1998 — has been widely billed as the moment for a talented generation led by Haaland and playmaker Martin Ødegaard to make a deep run. (fifa.com)
For Iraq, the result is a harsh introduction to a finals campaign that has already been shaped by a long and difficult road to qualification. The Lions of Mesopotamia reached the 2026 finals after a gruelling qualifying and play-off sequence, and their return to the world stage carries political and emotional weight for a nation that has endured years of conflict. (telegraphindia.com)
Norway’s comprehensive display will put opponents on notice: Haaland is match-ready on the biggest stage, and his side looked capable of combining efficient finishing with set-piece threat. As Group I moves on, Norway will aim to build on this momentum while Iraq seeks lessons and resilience ahead of their next fixtures. (en.prothomalo.com)
Original Source: https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/49086293/norway-vs-iraq-live-world-cup-2026-updates-haaland-makes-tournament-debut-commentary-score-result
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Publish Date: 2026-06-17 05:50:00
