In a highly anticipated World Cup debut, Erling Haaland showcased his talent with a standout performance that defined the match. Following Kylian Mbappé’s impressive two-goal display for France, Haaland matched that feat by scoring twice in the first half. The Manchester City forward’s aspirations for the Golden Boot hinge on Norway’s progression in the tournament, and their success significantly depends on his contributions. Despite wearing a different name on his jersey, Braut Haaland, his performance remains consistently formidable. This 25-year-old player is impossible to overlook, and Iraq learned this lesson the hard way.
After the match, Haaland took the opportunity to counter his coach Ståle Solbakken’s claim that he is the world’s best goalscorer. Haaland noted that in the 2025-26 season, both Mbappé and Harry Kane had outperformed him. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity, stating, “I think today you saw the same energy [as before],”
The match saw Iraq, who had waited 28 years to return to the World Cup stage, go up against a Norway team that had not faced Iraq in 40 years. Despite the significant gap of over 30 places in the world rankings, Iraq’s performance indicated that they were not to be underestimated. Norway will need to tighten their defense, as they appeared vulnerable at times, especially with a looming match against France. However, it was Haaland’s day to shine, even if Martin Ødegaard, Norway’s captain, played a less prominent role, contributing just enough to facilitate the team’s third goal before being substituted to preserve his energy for tougher challenges ahead.
Even in the dying moments of stoppage time, Haaland remained involved. He executed a looping header from a Kristoffer Ajer cross, which caused Aymen Hussein to panic under pressure from Kristian Thorstvedt, resulting in an own goal that sealed Norway’s victory.
It took just over two minutes for the crowd, with over 60,000 spectators, to realize what they had come to witness. Antonio Nusa delivered a brilliant lofted pass toward the advancing Haaland, who, although he struggled to control it, clearly excited the fans. Four minutes later, Haaland outpaced Zaid Tahseen, only to miss setting up Alexander Sørloth for an easy goal. Iraq responded with Ali al-Hamadi, who squandered a promising opportunity by shooting over the bar.
Norway’s reputation has sparked mixed opinions leading up to the tournament. Some view them as underrated, while others see them as overrated. With stars like Haaland and Ødegaard, their talent stands out significantly for a nation with a population under 6 million. The depth of skill is also notable, highlighted by Nusa’s energetic performance. Notably, Oscar Bobb, a player capable of joining various international teams, was left on the bench, underscoring the current golden generation of Norwegian footballers. This brings expectations and pressure, particularly against a team perceived as less formidable like Iraq. Iraq’s journey to the World Cup, marked by more qualifying matches than any other nation and challenges stemming from regional conflicts, deserves recognition. However, it would be surprising if they do not end up at the bottom of Group I.
Haaland’s first goal, expectedly the first of many on this grand stage, arrived in the 29th minute. Nusa, who was dazzling Iraq with his skills, assisted David Møller Wolfe, who then crossed the ball perfectly for Haaland to tap in from just two yards out. This marked Haaland’s 11th goal in his last 11 competitive matches for Norway, a statistic that was soon to improve.
What followed was unexpected. Iraq, the underdogs, delivered a remarkable equalizer that became a highlight in their World Cup history. In 1986, Iraq scored only once in their loss to Belgium, but this time, Ali Jassim’s assist found Amir al-Ammari, who set up Aymen Hussein. Despite not being favored to win the aerial duel, Hussein outjumped several Norwegian defenders to deliver a stunning header past Ørjan Håskjold Nyland. The celebration that ensued illustrated the significance of the goal for Iraq.
Haaland is more than capable of creating opportunities, and Iraq’s momentary celebration was short-lived. Just three minutes later, a blunder by Jalal Hassan proved costly. Rather than clearing a back-pass, Hassan hesitated, allowing Haaland to capitalize on the goalkeeper’s uncertainty. Haaland’s initial shot bounced back off Hassan, restoring Norway’s lead.
Iraq could argue they were unlucky not to be level at halftime. A brilliant block from Møller Wolfe denied Ibrahim Bayesh, and in the closing moments of the half, Akam Hashem’s half-volley sailed just inches above Nyland’s crossbar.
The second half quickly descended into a forgettable affair. Hussein Ali failed to keep a back-post volley low enough to challenge Nyland, and while Haaland remained active, Iraq could take solace in the fact that the Norwegian star had no opportunities between the second half and a hydration break.
A crucial substitution for Norway came when Leo Østigård rose to meet Ødegaard’s corner, sparking questions from Iraq about the level of physical play around the scorer.
Hassan managed to deny Haaland again, preventing the striker from achieving a hat-trick and overtaking Mbappé’s tally, but Haaland is now officially on the scoresheet.
