Norway's Erling Haaland tries to control the ball during their 2026 Fifa World Cup match against Iraq.
Erling Haaland struck his first World Cup goals as Norway brushed aside Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday, marking the nation's return to a major international tournament after a 26-year absence with an authoritative victory.
The Manchester City striker turned in a low cross from close range to break the deadlock on 29 minutes in Massachusetts, though a brilliant Aymen Hussein header briefly brought Iraq level. Haaland then pounced on a catastrophic defensive error to restore Norway's advantage before the half-time whistle, taking his astonishing international tally to 57 goals in just 51 caps.
Substitute Leo Østigard headed home a third for the Norwegians moments after entering the fray to put the result beyond doubt, before a deep, stoppage-time own goal from Hussein put a gloss on the scoreline.
The convincing win leaves Ståle Solbakken's men sitting atop Group I on goal difference, level on three points with France after Les Bleus overcame Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day. The Norwegians face the African heavyweights in their next fixture in New Jersey on June 22.
