Erling Haaland scored his first FIFA World Cup goals Tuesday as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener [1].

The performance marks a significant milestone for the Norwegian striker and his national team during their debut appearance in the tournament. By securing a dominant victory in the opening match, Norway establishes itself as a competitive force in the group stage.

Haaland opened the scoring after a defensive blunder by the Iraqi side [3]. This initial strike was more than a personal achievement; it represented Norway's first World Cup goal since 1998 [3]. The early lead provided the momentum necessary for Norway to control the pace of the match throughout the first half.

Haaland did not stop at a single goal. He later added a second goal and provided one assist to further widen the gap [1]. The final score of 4-1 reflects a decisive victory for the Norwegian side [1].

The match took place on June 16, 2026 [2] as part of the tournament hosted in the U.S. and other North American nations [2]. Norway entered the competition as a debutant, making the efficiency of their attack particularly noteworthy. The synergy between Haaland and his teammates suggests a high level of preparation for the international stage.

While the Iraqi team attempted to recover from the early deficit, they were unable to withstand the offensive pressure from the Norwegian squad. The result leaves Norway with three points and a positive goal difference as they move forward in Group I.

“Norway's first World Cup goal since 1998”

Norway's dominant start and Haaland's immediate impact validate the team's qualification for their first tournament since 1998. By securing three points in the opener, Norway gains a psychological advantage and a mathematical cushion that increases their probability of advancing to the knockout stages.