Iraq 1-4 Norway: Haaland Double Leads Norway to Top of Group I

Norway opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq at Gillette Stadium in Boston. The scoreline reflects Norway's control in the most important areas of the match. Iraq did create shooting moments, finishing with 11 total shots, but Norway were far more accurate, more composed in possession, and more effective when chances arrived.

First Half - Haaland Strikes, Iraq Respond, Haaland Strikes Again

Norway started with greater control of the ball and broke through in the 29th minute when E. Haaland scored from a D. Wolfe assist. Iraq did not fold after conceding. In the 39th minute, A. Hussein equalised with an assist from A. Al Ammari, bringing the match back to 1-1. That goal showed Iraq had enough threat to trouble Norway when they found space going forward. Norway responded quickly. In the 43rd minute, Haaland scored again to make it 2-1 and restore Norway's lead before half-time. That second goal was a major turning point. Iraq had worked their way back into the match, but Norway's quick response removed the momentum Iraq had gained.

Second Half - Norway Pull Away

Norway extended their lead in the 76th minute when L. Ostigard scored from a M. Odegaard assist to make it 3-1. Iraq's frustration showed late when Zaid Tahseen received a yellow card in the 86th minute. Norway's fourth goal came in the 90th minute through an own goal by A. Hussein, who had earlier scored Iraq's equaliser. The own goal completed a 4-1 win for Norway and gave them the strongest goal difference in Group I after the opening round.

The Difference in Shot Quality

The total shots were close, with Norway having 12 and Iraq having 11. But the quality was very different. Norway placed 5 shots on goal while Iraq managed only 1. Iraq had 8 shots off goal compared to Norway's 4, which shows Iraq did get attempts away but struggled to test the goalkeeper. Norway's goalkeeper was not called into action at all, making 0 saves, while Iraq's goalkeeper made 2.

Key Match Numbers

• Possession: Iraq 39% - Norway 61%
• Total shots: Iraq 11 - Norway 12
• Shots on goal: Iraq 1 - Norway 5
• Shots off goal: Iraq 8 - Norway 4
• Corner kicks: Iraq 2 - Norway 5
• Fouls: Iraq 12 - Norway 13
• Offsides: Iraq 1 - Norway 0
• Goalkeeper saves: Iraq 2 - Norway 0
• Total passes: Iraq 334 - Norway 537
• Accurate passes: Iraq 271 - Norway 477
• Yellow cards: Iraq 1 - Norway 0
• Red cards: Iraq 0 - Norway 0

Key Takeaways

• E. Haaland scored twice in the first half -- 29th minute from a D. Wolfe assist, and 43rd minute with no assist recorded.
• A. Hussein scored Iraq's equaliser in the 39th minute from an A. Al Ammari assist, then conceded an own goal in the 90th minute.
• L. Ostigard added Norway's third in the 76th minute from an M. Odegaard assist.
• Norway had 5 shots on goal to Iraq's 1 from similar total shot counts -- the difference in accuracy shaped the result.
• Norway's goalkeeper was not tested -- 0 saves against Iraq's 2 saves reflects where the attacking threat was concentrated.
• Iraq created shot volume with 11 total attempts but only 1 reached the target.
• Norway top Group I with 3 points and a +3 goal difference after matchday one.

Group I Implications

The result sends Norway to the top of Group I after the first round of matches. They sit on 3 points with a +3 goal difference, ahead of France who also won their opening match but hold a +2 goal difference. For Iraq, the defeat leaves them bottom of the group with a -3 goal difference. Their performance was not without attacking effort, but they will need to be much sharper in front of goal if they want to recover in the group.

What to Watch Next

• Haaland scoring twice in the opening match makes Norway an immediate threat in Group I.
• Iraq need to convert their shot volume into shots on target -- 11 attempts with only 1 on goal is not enough at this level.
• Group I is already taking shape with Norway top on goal difference ahead of France after matchday one.