Erling Haaland scored two goals in his World Cup debut to lead Norway to a victory over a resilient Iraq squad in their opening Group I match at Boston Stadium.
The 25-year-old forward increased his international tally to 57 goals in 51 matches, marking Norway’s return to the tournament after a 28-year absence. Haaland was nearly credited with a third, but a late save by Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan stopped him from securing what would have been the 55th hat-trick in World Cup history.
Iraq, playing in its first World Cup in 40 years, controlled stretches of the early minutes. However, Norway broke the deadlock 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break. Left-back David Moller Wolfe delivered a low, swinging cross that Haaland slid into the far post.
Iraq equalized in the 39th minute when Aymen Hussein—who previously secured Iraq’s tournament qualification with a winning goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off final—connected with Amir Al-Ammari’s cross to drive a powerful downward header past the post.
The tie lasted four minutes. Haaland blocked a clearance from Hassan after the veteran goalkeeper delayed a back-pass within his own six-yard box, causing the ball to ricochet into the net to restore Norway’s lead.
Iraq pressured before halftime, with Ibrahim Bayesh seeing a volley deflected wide, Ali Al-Hamadi stopped in the penalty box by Kristoffer Ajer, and Akam Hashim firing a 20-yard volley just over the crossbar.
Following halftime, Manchester-born substitute Zidan Iqbal entered the match for Iraq, becoming the first player of Pakistani heritage to play in a men’s World Cup.
Norway extended its lead in the 76th minute when substitute Leo Ostigard headed in a corner kick from Martin Odegaard. Deep into stoppage time, a looping header from Haaland was deflected into the net for an own goal by Hussein.
The result marks the first victory by a European nation against an Asian Football Confederation opponent in five attempts at this tournament. With the defeat, Iraq continues to seek its first-ever World Cup point.