Erling Haaland struck twice on World Cup debut as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 at Boston Stadium, moving level with France on three points in Group I. The Manchester City forward scored in each half, while Leo Ostigard and a late Aymen Hussein own goal completed the win after Iraq had briefly drawn level.

Haaland became the first player to hit multiple goals for Norway in a World Cup debut match and has now delivered at least two goals in each of Norway’s last five competitive games, scoring 13 times in that stretch. The 25-year-old has also found the net in 11 consecutive competitive appearances for Norway.

Norway’s display combined ruthless finishing with defensive gaps that will concern Stale Solbakken before meetings with Senegal and France. Norway registered an expected goals figure of 2.58 compared with Iraq’s 0.77 and scored four goals in a match at a major tournament for the first time, yet still allowed several clear opportunities.

Iraq began with greater threat and tempo, creating the first openings. Aymen Hussein nodded over from close range, then Ali Al Hamadi drove a rising effort over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. Norway stayed patient, however, and struck first in the 29th minute after a sharp move down the left flank.

That breakthrough arrived when David Moller Wolfe drove a low cross beyond Iraq’s defence, where Haaland slid in at the back post to steer the ball past Jalal Hassan. Iraq answered on 39 minutes as Hussein powered a header beyond Orjan Nyland from Amir Al Ammari’s precise delivery, rewarding Iraq’s positive attacking approach.

Norway regained control almost immediately through intense pressing high up the pitch. Haaland closed down Hassan near goal, blocking the goalkeeper’s attempted clearance, with the rebound ricocheting straight into the net. Graham Arnold’s side then produced three more dangerous moments before half-time but lacked composure with the final action in front of goal.

Ibrahim Bayesh appeared set to equalise when space opened in the box, yet Moller Wolfe reacted well to block. Al Hamadi was denied by a late tackle from Kristoffer Ajer after timing a smart run, while Akam Hashim met a cross with a clean volley that flew just over, leaving Iraq trailing narrowly at the interval.

Erling Haaland World Cup show and late Norway surge

The second half brought fewer clear chances as Norway controlled territory and slowed Iraq’s attacks. Norway did not register a shot after the restart until the 76th minute, when Kristian Thorstvedt’s attempt was blocked. From the resulting corner, Ostigard climbed highest and headed in, stretching the lead to 3-1.

Haaland almost completed a hat-trick late on after intercepting a poor back pass from Zidane Iqbal, but Hassan advanced quickly to smother the chance. Deep into stoppage time, Haaland’s looping header across goal caused more trouble, with Hussein accidentally diverting the ball into Iraq’s net to cap Norway’s four-goal display.

Erling Haaland World Cup impact, Iraq response and Group I picture

Iraq left Boston with no points but several positives ahead of their remaining group matches. Hussein’s header delivered only Iraq’s second World Cup goal, the first coming in a 2-1 defeat against Belgium in 1986. Iraq also created enough chances to change the outcome, especially during an energetic first half.

A costly mistake while playing out from the back before the break shifted the momentum towards Norway and highlighted the fine margins at this level. Even so, Iraq showed they can compete for third place in Group I, pressing aggressively and finding space behind Norway’s back line on multiple occasions throughout the contest.

Earlier on 16 June, Kylian Mbappe had scored twice for France, adding intrigue to the Golden Boot race and inviting comparison with Haaland’s response. With Norway now level with France and facing Senegal next, Haaland’s scoring sequence and Norway’s improved attacking output provide a strong platform, though defensive tightening will be essential.

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Norway’s 4-1 victory, driven by Haaland’s brace and two late goals, delivered both optimism and warning signs. The result established Norway as early contenders in Group I, while Iraq demonstrated competitive quality despite the margin. Upcoming fixtures against Senegal and France will show whether Norway can convert this start into sustained progress.