Haaland’s World Cup debut
Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals, leading Norway to a victory over Iraq. The match saw Norway return to the tournament after 28 years, while Iraq was participating for the first time in 40 years. Haaland’s performance was a key factor in Norway’s win, with his first goal arriving in the 29th minute.
The opening goal came after David Møller Wolfe delivered a cross to the far post, which Haaland converted from close range. This goal was Haaland’s 11th in the same number of recent competitive appearances for Norway. His second goal of the match was a result of pressing Iraq’s goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, whose clearance rebounded off Haaland and into the net.
Haaland’s two goals in his first World Cup game made him only the sixth player to achieve this feat. Following the match, Haaland acknowledged that his goal-scoring numbers for the 2025-26 season had been surpassed by Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, but he emphasized his consistent intensity on the field.
Match highlights and key moments
The match began with early excitement, as Antonio Nusa set up Haaland for an opportunity within minutes, though the striker was unable to control the ball. Shortly after, Haaland created another chance, but could not connect with Alexander Sørloth for a tap-in. Iraq responded with a chance of their own, as Ali al-Hamadi sent a shot over the bar.
Iraq managed to equalize through an Aymen Hussein header, which was described as a significant moment in the country’s World Cup history. This goal, scored by Amir al-Ammari from an Ali Jasim cross, was only Iraq’s second goal in the World Cup, the first having been scored in 1986 against Belgium.
Despite Iraq’s equalizer, Norway quickly regained the lead with Haaland’s second goal. Later in the game, Leo Østigård extended Norway’s lead to 3-1 from a Martin Ødegaard corner. In added time, Norway secured a 4-1 victory when Haaland’s header led to an own goal by Hussein, who inadvertently chested the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Norway’s prospects and other matches
Norway’s team, featuring prominent players like Haaland and Ødegaard, has been a subject of discussion regarding whether they are underrated or overrated. The team’s depth of talent, including players like Nusa and Oscar Bobb, suggests a promising generation of footballers for a nation of fewer than 6 million people.
Iraq’s journey to the World Cup, which involved playing more qualifying matches than any other nation and overcoming logistical challenges, was noted. Despite their efforts, they are anticipated to finish at the bottom of Group I. Norway will face France in their final group stage match, a game that Mbappé is likely to have observed closely.
In other World Cup matches, Rayan Cherki made a late appearance for France in their 3-1 win against Senegal. Rayan Ait-Nouri played the full 90 minutes for Algeria in their 3-0 defeat to Argentina, where Lionel Messi scored all three goals. Algeria is now looking to bounce back in their next game against Jordan.
Haaland’s performance in the opening match sets a strong tone for Norway’s campaign in the tournament.
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Source: theguardian.com
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