Norway vs Iraq: Result, Stats & Predictions (World Cup 2026)
Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their World Cup 2026 opener as Erling Haaland scored twice on his tournament debut in Foxborough.
16 June 2026
Result
Norway marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 28th minute, Iraq equalised through Aymen Hussein in the 39th, then Haaland restored the lead in the 42nd. Leo Ostigård headed in a third from an Ødegaard corner in the 76th minute before Hussein turned a cross into his own net in stoppage time to complete the rout.
What It Means for Last Man Standing Pools
Norway were a tempting but untested pick in week one — talented squad, serious credentials, but 28 years of World Cup rustiness was a real concern. Those who trusted the Haaland factor were rewarded with a comfortable margin. Iraq, playing their first World Cup in 40 years, were always going to be a tough ask to back. This result sorts Group I quickly: Norway and France both have three points, and barring a significant collapse, this group is likely heading where most pool players expected.
Pre-Match Predictions
Opta's pre-match forecast gave Norway a 75.9% chance of winning, the draw 14.2%, and Iraq just 9.9%. Pre-match forecasts aligned closely with that shape — Norway were heavily expected to win but the specific concern was how Iraq, on their emotional return to the tournament after four decades, might defend. As it turned out, the match followed the expected script almost exactly: Norway dominated, Iraq briefly caused problems with an equaliser, then Norwegian quality pulled clear. The 4-1 scoreline matched the "comfortable but not clinical" pre-match expectation precisely.
Standout Stats
Erling Haaland's two goals in his World Cup debut took him to 57 international goals in just 51 appearances for Norway — a conversion rate that stands among the most remarkable in European football history, per Norwegian FA records. Haaland's first goal came within a minute of the hydration break, tapping in a low cross from David Møller Wolfe; his second required no composure at all — the Iraqi goalkeeper's fumbled backpass deflected in off Haaland's shin. Iraq's return to the World Cup after 40 years was notable in its own right: the Lions of Mesopotamia last appeared at a World Cup in 1986, when Argentina's Maradona won the tournament. Per tournament records, Norway's win means Group I is now effectively a France vs Norway head-to-head for top spot, with Iraq and the fourth team unlikely to threaten.
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