Norway marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years with an impressive 4-1 victory over Iraq in a Group I match at Boston Stadium in the United States on Wednesday.

Star striker Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway made a winning start to their World Cup 2026 campaign. Leo Ostigard added another goal, while Norway also benefited from a late own goal. Iraq’s Aymen Hussein scored the team’s lone goal.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute to put Norway ahead. Iraq responded ten minutes later when Hussein found the net to level the match at 1-1.

However, Haaland restored Norway’s lead in the 43rd minute with his second goal of the game, giving his side a 2-1 advantage at halftime.

Norway extended their lead in the 76th minute when Ostigard headed home from close range. Deep into second-half stoppage time, Iraq conceded an own goal after a deflected effort from Hussein ended up in their own net, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Norway.

The win puts Norway at the top of Group I with three points. France, who also won their opening match, sit second on goal difference, while Senegal and Iraq remain without a point.

Norway last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1998, where they reached the Round of 16. Since then, the Scandinavian nation had failed to qualify for the tournament until their return in 2026.