Haaland Announces Himself as Norway Ends 28-Year World Cup Wait with Convincing Victory

By Alonso Contreras

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut with a brace as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in an entertaining Group I opener, securing the nation's first World Cup victory since 1998 and making an early statement in the race for qualification.

For a country that waited nearly three decades to return to football's biggest stage, Norway could hardly have imagined a better start. Led by Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard, Ståle Solbakken's side overcame a resilient Iraqi team that threatened throughout the match before Norwegian quality eventually took over.

Iraq nearly shocked the Europeans early when Aymen Hussein headed over from close range inside the opening five minutes, a warning sign that Norway would not have things their own way.

As the first half progressed, Norway's stars began to find their rhythm.

The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute. Antonio Nusa burst through the middle before finding David Møller Wolfe on the left flank. The full-back drove to the byline and delivered a perfect cross across goal, where Haaland slid in at the far post to score Norway's first World Cup goal in 28 years.

The lead lasted only ten minutes.

Iraq responded brilliantly in the 39th minute when Amir Al-Ammari floated a precise cross into the penalty area and captain Aymen Hussein rose highest to power a header beyond Ørjan Nyland, sending Iraqi supporters into celebration and leveling the score at 1-1.

The match seemed destined to head into halftime tied, but Haaland had other ideas.

In the 43rd minute, Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan attempted to play out from the back under pressure. Haaland closed him down relentlessly, forcing a mistake before poking the ball into the net to restore Norway's advantage and give the Manchester City striker his second goal of the evening.

The second half remained competitive as Iraq searched for another equalizer.

Ali Al-Hamadi, Ibrahim Bayesh, and Hussein all created dangerous opportunities, while Norway relied on disciplined defending and controlled possession to manage the game. Iraq came agonizingly close midway through the second half when Hussein glanced a header just wide, while Hussein Ali volleyed onto the roof of the net moments later.

As the match entered its final stages, Norway found the goal that effectively ended the contest.

In the 76th minute, Ødegaard delivered a pinpoint corner kick into the penalty area where an unmarked Leo Østigard powered a header beyond Hassan to make it 3-1.

The goal deflated Iraq and allowed Norway to play with greater freedom during the closing minutes.

Haaland nearly completed his hat trick in the 83rd minute after intercepting a misplaced back pass, but Hassan redeemed himself with a brave one-on-one save.

Norway still managed to add a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. Kristoffer Ajer delivered a cross to the back post, where Haaland headed the ball back across goal. The ensuing scramble ended with Aymen Hussein inadvertently turning the ball into his own net, sealing a 4-1 victory for the Scandinavians.

While the scoreline may appear comfortable, Iraq produced a spirited performance and created several chances that could have changed the outcome. However, Norway's superior quality in both penalty areas ultimately proved decisive.

The victory places Norway level on points with France atop Group I after Les Bleus defeated Senegal earlier in the day. A highly anticipated showdown between Norway and France now looms as one of the most intriguing fixtures of the group stage.

For Norway, though, this night belonged to Haaland.

After years of carrying expectations and helping guide his country back to the World Cup, the superstar striker finally delivered on football's biggest stage, scoring twice and leading Norway to a memorable opening victory that could be the first step toward a historic tournament run.