Iraq 1-4 Norway Stats: Haaland Bags Brace to Star on World Cup Debut
Opta Analyst • • sports
Key Points:
- Erling Haaland starred in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, scoring twice on his World Cup debut and becoming the first Norwegian to net multiple goals in a World Cup match.
- Norway led 2-1 at halftime, with Haaland scoring both goals for his side, and extended their lead in the second half through Leo Østigård and an own goal by Iraq’s Aymen Hussein.
- Despite Iraq creating several chances and scoring their second-ever World Cup goal, a costly defensive error and Haaland’s clinical finishing secured Norway’s win as they join France atop Group I.
- Norway’s four-goal tally marked their highest scoring game in World Cup and European Championship history, and the team returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a win.
- Haaland continues an impressive scoring streak, having scored in each of his last 11 competitive matches for Norway and multiple goals in his last five, highlighting his key role in Norway’s campaign.
