Norway defeat Iraq 4-1 as Haaland scores twice

Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland’s goals in the 29th and 43rd minutes setting the tone before Leo Østigard added a late third and Iraq’s Aymen Hussein turned into his own net in stoppage time to seal the result.

It was a controlled and clinical display from Norway, who made their greater share of possession count at Gillette Stadium and steadily wore Iraq down across the 90 minutes. Haaland was the central figure, giving Norway the breakthrough in the 29th minute when he finished the opening goal of the night, and from there the away side looked increasingly comfortable in the fixture.

Iraq responded well to going behind and found their way back into the match in the 39th minute. Aymen Hussein rose to score with a header and briefly restored balance at 1-1, rewarding a spell in which Iraq showed more direct intent and made better use of limited possession.

But the key moment arrived just before the interval. In the 43rd minute, Haaland struck again to restore Norway’s lead, ensuring the visitors went into half-time 2-1 ahead. That second goal changed the rhythm of the contest, forcing Iraq to chase the match after the break while Norway could stay compact and pick their moments.

The second half followed that pattern. Norway finished with 61.3 percent possession, won five corners to Iraq’s two, and turned territorial control into sustained pressure. Iraq managed 11 shots overall but put only one on target, underlining Norway’s defensive organization as well as Iraq’s difficulty creating clear openings in the final third.

Norway finally gave themselves breathing room in the 76th minute when Leo Østigard scored with a header to make it 3-1. At that point, the result was largely beyond Iraq, and the closing stages became about game management for Norway. Deep into stoppage time, the margin grew further when Aymen Hussein unfortunately diverted the ball into his own net at 90+6 minutes, capping a frustrating finish for Iraq after his earlier equaliser.

Key performers

Haaland was the standout performer and the clear difference-maker. His goals in the 29th and 43rd minutes gave Norway control of the match and punished Iraq at the most important moments. Østigard also made a major contribution with his 76th-minute goal, while Norway’s overall defensive shape limited Iraq to a single shot on target despite a respectable 11 attempts.

For Iraq, Aymen Hussein experienced both ends of the night’s story. His 39th-minute header brought his side level and gave them hope, but the late own goal at 90+6 minutes added to a difficult final scoreline.

NerdSports Stat: Norway scored 50 percent of their non-own goals in the five-minute windows immediately before half-time and after the 75th minute, highlighting how decisively they managed both ends of the match.

The result gives Norway an important three points in Group I and a healthy early boost in goal difference, while Iraq are left needing a response in their next fixture. In a short tournament group stage, a win of this size can shape the table quickly, and Norway will take real confidence from the authority of this performance.

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