Iraq vs Norway Highlights and Goals

Iraq

1-4

Norway

Iraq 1-4 Norway

Iraq goal: Aymen Hussein (39)

Norway goals: Erling Haaland (29, 43), Leo Ostigard (76), Aymen Hussein own goal (90+6)

Norway made an impressive start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I. Both nations were appearing on football’s biggest stage for the first time this century, but it was Norway who quickly showed their quality through star striker Erling Haaland.

The opening goal arrived after a beautifully constructed move that began with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. Following a sequence of 14 passes, David Moller Wolfe delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Haaland slid in at the back post to give Norway a deserved lead in the 29th minute.

Iraq responded brilliantly ten minutes later. Veteran striker Aymen Hussein etched his name into the history books by becoming only the second Iraqi player to score at a FIFA World Cup. He rose highest to meet Amir Al Ammari’s delicate cross and guided a powerful header beyond Nyland to level the match.

The parity lasted only a few minutes, however. Just before half-time, Haaland capitalized on a costly misunderstanding between defender Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. The Norwegian forward calmly seized the opportunity to score his second goal of the evening and restore his side’s advantage.

Norway continued to control proceedings after the break and added a third goal in the 76th minute. Substitute Leo Ostigard, who had been on the pitch for only a few minutes, found himself completely unmarked from a corner and powered a header into the net to put the result beyond doubt.

Iraq’s difficult night was compounded deep into stoppage time when Aymen Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The unfortunate own goal completed a 4-1 victory for Norway, who moved to the top of the Group I standings with an impressive display.

Key Stat: At 35 years and 279 days old, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland became the oldest player ever to represent Norway at a FIFA World Cup.