Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a brace as Norway secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq in Boston on Wednesday, ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup win. The Manchester City striker’s two goals, coupled with contributions from Alexander Sørloth and Martin Ødegaard, propelled the Scandinavians to a commanding start in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup .

Haaland, who had struggled to find his footing in previous international tournaments, announced his arrival on the global stage with clinical finishes that underscored his reputation as one of football’s most lethal strikers. His first goal, a composed finish in the 20th minute, broke a deadlock that had persisted despite Norway’s early dominance. The second, a powerful header in the 45th minute, doubled the lead before half-time, effectively sealing the outcome. Sørloth and Ødegaard added further goals in the second half, capping a performance that dispelled any lingering doubts about Norway’s credentials as genuine contenders in the tournament .

Iraq, despite their spirited resistance, could only respond through a late consolation goal, leaving them with a daunting task to advance from a group that now features England and Denmark. Norway’s victory, achieved in front of a partisan crowd in Boston, marks their first World Cup win since 1998 and signals a resurgence for a nation long considered an underdog in international football .

The match also served as a statement of intent from Haaland, whose club performances at Manchester City have already cemented his status as a generational talent. Analysts were quick to draw comparisons with legends of the game, with some suggesting his World Cup debut performance brought him a step closer to the legendary status of Zlatan Ibrahimović .

For Norway, the triumph has ignited hopes of progression beyond the group stage, a feat they have not achieved since 1998. The team’s balanced attack, marshalled by captain Ødegaard, and a resolute defensive display provided a blueprint for success in the tournament’s early stages. With Haaland at the forefront, Norway’s campaign promises to be one of the early talking points of the 2026 World Cup .

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Haaland scoort twee keer bij WK-debuut en loodst Noorwegen voorbij Irak

de morgen · 17 days ago

Irak-sjefen gikk rett bort til Haaland etter kampslutt Han klarte ikke dy seg, Irak-trener Graham Arnold. Etter tapet mot Norge hadde han en klar beskjed til Erling Braut Haaland.

nrk · 17 days ago

Fußball-WM: „Spieler für große Spiele: Haaland lässt Norwegen träumen Erling Haaland wird nach seinem Doppelpack zum WM-Auftakt gefeiert. Welches Lob der Stürmer noch zurückweist und warum Zlatan Ibrahimović über „Könige des Dschungels redet.

tagesspiegel · 17 days ago

CM 2026: Norvegia începe cu dreptul evoluția la Cupa Mondială, după ce a bătut Irakul Reprezentativa Norvegiei a debutat cu victorie la Cupa Mondială, după ce s-a impus, miercuri dimineaţă, la Boston, scor 4-1, cu naţionala Irakului, în grupa I.

digi24 · 17 days ago

Magabiztos sikerrel tértek vissza a norvégok, Haaland duplázott Irak ellen A norvég válogatott 4-1-re legyőzte az iraki együttest az észak-amerikai labdarúgó-világbajnokság I csoportjának mérkőzésén, Bostonban.

hvg.hu · 17 days ago

Haaland sänkte Irak: Fantastiskt Norges första VM-match på 28 år. Då slog Erling Braut Haaland till – två gånger.– Att vinna med 4–1 är fantastiskt för alla, säger anfallsstjärnan.

svenska dagbladet · 17 days ago

Haaland glänzt bei WM: „Er kommt Zlatan immer näher Im ersten WM-Spiel mit Norwegen schießt Erling Haaland sein Team auf die Siegerstraße. Nach dem deutlichen Auftaktsieg sind die Erwartungen gewaltig – das Lob für den Starstürmer auch.

faz · 17 days ago

Haarland räumt auf – Norwegen feiert erfolgreiche WM-Rückkehr Erling Haaland hat Norwegen zum ersten WM-Sieg seit 28 Jahren geschossen. Dank eines Doppelpacks des Mittelstürmers von Manchester City setzten sich die als Geheimfavorit gehandelten Skandinavier gegen den Irak mit 4:1 (2:1) durch. Außenseiter Irak ist lange ein ebenbürtiger Gegner.

welt.de · 17 days ago

Norwegen startet mit 4:1-Auftaktsieg gegen Irak in Fußball-WM Torjäger Erling Haaland führte die Skandinavier in Boston mit zwei Toren zu einem 4:1-Sieg gegen den Irak.

die presse · 17 days ago

Ιράκ-Νορβηγία 1-4: Δύο γκολ ο Χάαλαντ στην επιστροφή των Σκανδιναβών σε Μουντιάλ μετά από 28 χρόνια, δείτε τα γκολ

protothema · 17 days ago

Gir spillerne fri etter Irak-seieren: – En voldsom utladning Norge topper VM-gruppen sin – og nå får spillerne fri fra Solbakken.

aftenposten · 17 days ago

Haaland scores two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on World Cup return The Manchester City striker scored his first goals at a major international tournament as Norway powered past Iraq.

aljazeera · 17 days ago

Se bildene av VM-jubelen i Trondheim

aftenposten · 17 days ago