Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group I.

The match took place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, as part of the opening round of Group I in the FIFA World Cup 2026. A lively crowd watched the two sides battle for the early points that could shape their tournament fortunes.

How it unfolded

The first real breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Norway’s Erling Haaland capitalised on a precise cross from David Møller Wolfe. Haaland’s left-footed strike from very close range found the top right corner, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. The early goal shifted the momentum toward Norway, who began to dominate possession and look for further chances.

Iraq responded ten minutes later, and the equaliser arrived in the 39th minute. Aymen Hussein rose to meet a centre-box cross from Amir Al-Ammari, directing a powerful header into the bottom right corner to level the score at 1-1. The Iraqi side gained confidence, and the match appeared finely balanced as the first half drew to a close.

Just four minutes after the restart, Haaland struck again. In the 43rd minute he fired a right-footed shot from very close range into the centre of the net, restoring Norway’s lead at 2-1. The quick response dampened Iraq’s momentum and re-established Norway’s control of the game.

The second half saw Norway extend their advantage in the 76th minute. Following a corner, Martin Ødegaard delivered a low cross that found Leo Østigård, whose header from very close range slotted into the high centre of the goal. The score moved to 3-1, and Norway appeared to be pulling away comfortably.

Discipline entered the narrative in the 86th minute when Iraq’s Zaid Tahseen was shown a yellow card for a bad foul. The booking did not alter the tactical shape of either side but underscored the increasing intensity as the match entered its final stages.

In stoppage time, the match concluded dramatically. A defensive error saw Aymen Hussein turn the ball into his own net in the 90+6 minute, handing Norway a fourth goal and sealing a 4-1 victory. The own-goal confirmed the visitors’ dominance and left the final whistle with Norway comfortably ahead.

Standout performers

Erling Haaland was the clear attacking catalyst, scoring twice and providing the assist for the opening goal through David Møller Wolfe’s cross. David Møller Wolfe’s delivery set the tone early and earned him a mention among the key contributors.

Aymen Hussein featured on both ends of the score sheet, netting Iraq’s lone goal before later conceding an own-goal that completed Norway’s tally.

Leo Østigård added a well-timed header from Martin Ødegaard’s corner, extending Norway’s lead in the second half. Ødegaard’s precise corner kick was instrumental in creating that chance.

Amir Al-Ammari’s cross led to Iraq’s equaliser, highlighting his ability to create opportunities from wide areas.

Zaid Tahseen received a yellow card in the 86th minute, reflecting the match’s competitive edge.

Match facts

  • Final score: Iraq 1-4 Norway
  • Scorers:
    • Erling Haaland (Norway) – 29’, 43’
    • Aymen Hussein (Iraq) – 39’
    • Leo Østigård (Norway) – 76’
    • Aymen Hussein (own goal) – 90'+6’
  • Assists:
    • David Møller Wolfe (Norway) – 29’
    • Amir Al-Ammari (Iraq) – 39’
    • Martin Ødegaard (Norway) – 76’
  • Bookings: Zaid Tahseen (Iraq) – yellow card, 86’
  • Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

What it means

This Group I encounter adds a decisive win for Norway and a hard-learned defeat for Iraq as both teams continue their campaigns in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. The result will influence their next matches and overall group dynamics.