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Norway get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominant win over Iraq in Boston. A brace and an assist from Erling Haaland lead the Vikings to a convincing opening victory, although Iraq showed plenty of fight despite the scoreline.

Norway will face Senegal on Monday, June 22, in New Jersey/New York, with the aim of taking control of Group I. Iraq, meanwhile, will look for their first points against runners-up France the same day in Philadelphia.

Final Score: Iraq 1–4 Norway

GOAL FOR NORWAY — THORSTVEDT!

90+4’ — Kristian Thorstvedt adds the finishing touch to the rout, heading home after a clever knock-back assist from Erling Haaland.

A statement win from Norway in Massachusetts.

Final Score: Iraq 1–4 Norway

GOAL FOR NORWAY — LEO ØSTIGÅRD!

76’ — The Genoa defender rises at the near post on the left and powers a header into the net to extend the Vikings’ lead. A substitute making an immediate impact.

With everyone focused on Haaland, Østigård capitalises from a left-sided corner to strike. Norway take full control as the rhythm of the match shifts firmly in their favour.

Score: Iraq 1–3 Norway

THE FINAL STRETCH

75’ — The match loses some intensity, with Norway dropping deeper and Iraq struggling to find fluency in attack.

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold makes changes at 59’, introducing Marko Farji and Zidane Iqbal in place of Ali Al-Hamadi and Zaid Ismael, respectively. Norway boss Ståle Solbakken responds at 73’ with a triple change: Oscar Bob, Andreas Schjelderup, Kristian Thorstvedt, and Leo Østigård come on for Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, Fredrik Aursnes, and David Wolfe.

Score: Iraq 1–2 Norway

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY!

Iraq look to push for an equaliser, while Norway aim to show the world they are back with real intent—ready to compete at the highest level under the leadership of Erling Haaland.

Score: Iraq 1–2 Norway

HALF-TIME

Erling Haaland has been the standout figure as Norway head into the break with the lead. Iraq have faced a stern test but remain very much alive in the contest, with Ali Al-Hamadi coming close to a potential equaliser. Boston Stadium is witnessing a true football spectacle.

Score: Iraq 1–2 Norway

GOAL FOR NORWAY — HAALAND BRACE!

43’ — The Viking star is in red-hot form. Erling Haaland presses intensely and forces a mistake from Iraq’s back line, as goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is caught under pressure.

Defender Zaid Tahseen is caught out, misplacing a pass back to his goalkeeper, and Haaland pounces instantly to complete his second goal of the night in his World Cup debut.

A ruthless finish from the Manchester City striker, who is putting on a show as the Norwegian fans celebrate with Viking-style rowing in the stands.

Score: Iraq 1–2 Norway

GOAL FOR IRAQ — EQUALISER!

39’ — Aymen Hussein levels the score with a powerful header, leaving Ørjan Nyland with no chance after a precise cross from the left by Amir Al-Ammari. The Boston Stadium erupts as Iraq respond with heart after Norway’s early dominance.

Score: Iraq 1–1 Norway

GOAL FOR NORWAY — HAALAND OPENS HIS ACCOUNT!

29’ — The Manchester City striker appears at the back post on the right to finish a pinpoint cross from David Wolfe on the left flank. Alexander Sørloth plays a key role in the build-up, and Haaland finishes clinically with his left foot. His first-ever World Cup goal — complete with his trademark “Lotus Flower” celebration.

Score: Iraq 0–1 Norway

KICK-OFF!

Norway in all red, Iraq in white, and a fantastic atmosphere in Massachusetts.

Score: Iraq 0–0 Norway

With great emotion, Norway’s national anthem, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet,” is being sung. The stands are largely filled with Norwegian supporters. It marks their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Iraq’s national anthem is also heard once again at a FIFA World Cup, 40 years later, in a packed Boston Stadium—the home of the New England Patriots in Foxborough.

NORWAY'S STARTING XI

IRAQ'S STARTING XI

This is the second Group I fixture of the tournament, set to be played at Boston Stadium.

Both nations are making their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage. Iraq is appearing in its first World Cup since Mexico 1986, while Norway is back for the first time since France 1998.

Welcome to Iraq vs. Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

🏟️ When and Where

Broadcast Schedule – Iraq vs. Norway (June 16, 2026)

• 🕓 Mexico (CDMX): 4:00 PM
• 🕔 Colombia & Peru: 5:00 PM
• 🕕 United States (ET): 6:00 PM
• 🕖 Argentina, Chile & Uruguay: 7:00 PM
• 🕗 Brazil: 7:00 PM
• 🕚 Spain: 12:00 AM (Midnight) on June 17
• 📍 Stadium: Gillette Stadium
• 🏆 Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup – Group I
• ⚽ Match: Iraq vs. Norway

📺 How and Where to Watch Iraq vs Norway

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🇮🇶 Iraq's Preview

For Iraq, the simple fact of being in this World Cup represents a monumental achievement. The Lions of Mesopotamia return to the world stage for the first time since Mexico 1986, a four-decade wait that has fueled the dreams of millions of fans. Their qualification was the product of perseverance and a structure built on collective sacrifice rather than individual stardom.

Under the guidance of Graham Arnold, the Iraqis have forged a disciplined, compact, and competitive side. The goal-scoring experience of Aymen Hussein and the physical power of Ali Al-Hamadi will be crucial as they look to capitalize on any opportunity against a Norwegian team that is expected to dominate possession.

🇳🇴 Norway's Preview

Norway touches down in North America as one of the most intriguing sides coming out of Europe. Following years of absence from major tournaments, the Scandinavians have finally managed to translate their immense individual talent into collective results. The squad managed by Ståle Solbakken enjoyed a nearly flawless qualifying campaign and now looks to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the world's elite.

The name dominating the conversation is, without a doubt, Erling Haaland. Regarded as one of the finest strikers on the planet, the forward will feature in his first-ever World Cup, carrying the responsibility of leading a historic generation. Alongside him is Martin Ødegaard, the team's mastermind tasked with pulling the strings and creating play between the lines. Together with players like Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, and Alexander Sørloth, they form an attacking frontline capable of unlocking any defense.

⭐ Players to Watch

🇮🇶  Aymen Hussein

Born in Kirkuk, Hussein has built his career on a foundation of perseverance and sacrifice. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the most prominent forwards in Asian football, thanks to his goal-scoring ability, aerial prowess, and leadership on the pitch. His presence in the opposition's box is a constant threat to any defense.

During the qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup, the striker was a pivotal figure for Iraq. His goals in decisive moments helped keep the World Cup dream alive for a national team that had to overcome numerous obstacles to secure their ticket to North America.

 Erling Haaland

At just 25 years old, Haaland has already built a staggering career. His goal-scoring ability, physical power, pace, and clinical finishing have made him one of the most feared attackers on the planet. From his early steps in Norway and Austria to establishing himself as a global icon in Europe, the striker has shattered records and accumulated titles at an extraordinary pace.

However, there was still one piece missing from his resume: featuring in a World Cup. For years, Norway missed out on major tournaments despite the rise of a talented generation spearheaded by Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. That debt was finally settled following a brilliant qualifying campaign that returned the Scandinavians to the world stage for the first time since France 1998.

🎯 Final Analysis

Beyond the three points, this encounter could dictate the path for both teams in a group that also features France and Senegal. Norway knows that a victory would place them in a privileged position before facing their more demanding rivals. Iraq, on the other hand, looks to write one of the first stories of resilience at the 2026 World Cup and prove that their return is not a mere fleeting appearance.

With contrasting styles, distinct aspirations, and a great deal at stake from the very first matchday, the clash promises to be one of the most intriguing openers in Group I.

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