In a match held Wednesday morning at Boston Stadium, USA, Norway defeated Iraq with a 4–1 goal difference. June 17, Kathmandu. After a 28-year hiatus, Norway made a victorious start at the FIFA World Cup 2026, led by Erling Haaland’s two goals. The Group I match at Boston Stadium saw Norway triumph over Iraq by 4-1.
Erling Haaland contributed two goals to Norway’s impressive victory, while Leo Ostigard added one goal along with an own goal gifted to the team. Iraq’s Ayman Hussein scored a consolation goal. Haaland opened the scoring for Norway in the 29th minute, giving his team the lead. Ten minutes later, Hussein equalized for Iraq.
In the 43rd minute, Haaland scored his second goal of the match, putting Norway ahead again. In the 76th minute, Norway’s Leo scored with a header, increasing the team’s lead. During injury time in the second half, an own goal in the 96th minute sealed Norway’s 4–1 victory. The own goal occurred when a shot by Iraq’s Hussein deflected into his own net.
Following this win, Norway tops Group I with 3 points. France also holds 3 points but is placed second based on goal difference. Senegal and Iraq, both having lost their opening matches, remain without points. Norway last participated in the World Cup in 1998, where they reached the Round of 16. Since then, they had been unsuccessful in World Cup qualifiers.
