Haaland scored two goals and helped for the fourth in a commanding showing.
Erling Haaland #9 of Norway reacts after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Iraq and Norway on June 16, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
The star striker finally got to represent Norway at a major international tournament having missed out on the 2022 World Cup and 2024 UEFA Euros. He made up for the absences with a dominant showing in Norway's 4-1 win vs. Iraq in Boston to start Group I in the Haaland predictably opened the scoring, doing so just before the half-hour mark.
Haaland showed off his elite athleticism to tap home a whipped ball at the back post from left-back David Møller Wolfe in the 29th minute. Iraq made a stunning response with a headed goal from Aymen Hussein in the 39th minute, but the 1-1 scoreline didn't last long.
Haaland's speed on the press forced Iraqi goalie Jalal Hasan into a major error just before halftime, as the 6-foot-5 Norwegian striker saw the ball bounce off him and into the net on a botched clearance. Fellow major star Martin Odegaard assisted the third goal in the 76th minute, finding substitute center-back Leo Ostigard on a corner kick from the right flank.
The game was all wrapped up from there, but Norway added one more deep into stoppage time when Haaland headed a dangerous ball back near the net. Substitute Kristian Thorstvedt rose up to direct it home, eventually bouncing off Hussein and being counted as an own goal instead of a Haaland assist.
Haaland is now in the Golden Boot race alongside five other players who have a brace to their name through one game (Folarin Balogun, Kai Havertz, Yasin Ayari, Elijah Just,
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Erling Haaland's World Cup Debut: Norway's Return After 24 YearsErling Haaland reflects on his journey from watching World Cups as a child to making his debut for Norway, a nation returning to the tournament after nearly three decades. The striker discusses the squad's chemistry, challenging group stage, and embracing the pressure as they aim to make an impact in Qatar.
Read more »
World Cup Group H Expert Picks: Daily World Cup Picks and PredictionsGet daily 2026 World Cup picks and expert predictions for Group H. Get updated odds, best bets, and more for every single match.
Read more »
World Cup Group G Expert Picks: Daily World Cup Picks and PredictionsGet daily 2026 World Cup picks and expert predictions for Group G. Get updated odds, best bets, and more for every single match.
Read more »
'It felt missing': Erling Haaland on what the World Cup means to his legacyErling Haaland has won at the highest level, but one thing was always missing. He explains why the 2026 World Cup means so much.
Read more »