Iraq faced Norway on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in a crucial Group I opener at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Iraq vs Norway clash marked a historic occasion for both nations, with Iraq returning to the FIFA World Cup after a 40-year absence and Norway making its first appearance at the tournament in 28 years.
With difficult group-stage matches against France and Senegal still ahead, the result of this Iraq vs Norway encounter carried major significance in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
Iraq vs Norway Match Preview and Team News
The buildup to Iraq vs Norway focused on the contrasting styles of the two sides. Iraq arrived at the tournament after a demanding qualification campaign and a successful inter-confederation playoff run. Under Graham Arnold, the Lions of Mesopotamia gained recognition for their solid defensive organization and resilience. They recently showcased their quality by earning a draw against European champions Spain in a warm-up match.
Norway entered the competition with considerable momentum under Ståle Solbakken. The Scandinavian side dominated qualifying and relied heavily on the attacking partnership of Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard.
Key Players and Match Outlook
Iraq looked to experienced striker Aymen Hussein, who entered the tournament with 33 international goals. His physical presence and finishing ability were expected to be central to Iraq’s counter-attacking approach.
Norway, meanwhile, depended on Haaland, who finished as Europe’s leading World Cup qualifying scorer with 16 goals. With Ødegaard’s creativity, Norway entered the game as the favorite according to most predictions. Although Norway’s attacking power was evident, Iraq’s solid defense indicated that the Iraq vs Norway opening match might be more competitive than many anticipated.
Iraq vs Norway: Half-Time Update
Norway holds a 2-1 lead over Iraq at halftime after an entertaining first half in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to put the Europeans in front.
The match started at a lively pace, and Haaland was involved early. Between the eighth and 13th minutes, the striker created Norway’s first major opportunity when he surged down the left flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, but Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan reacted well to gather it. Iraq quickly responded through Ali Al-Hamadi, whose ambitious effort sailed just over the crossbar.
Norway’s pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Haaland opened the scoring on his World Cup debut. The forward latched onto a precise pass from David Møller Wolfe and calmly slotted a left-footed finish beyond Hassan to make it 1-0.
Iraq responded positively, finding an equalizer in the 39th minute. Aymen Hussein finished off a well-worked move after good play from midfielder Amir Al-Ammari, bringing the scores level and energizing the Iraqi supporters.
However, Norway regained the lead just before the interval. A costly defensive error from Iraq in the 43rd minute allowed Haaland to capitalize immediately and score his second goal of the match.
Norway has controlled possession with 62 percent of the ball and leads 2-1 heading into the second half, though Iraq remains firmly in the contest.
Full-Time Update
Norway powered to a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq at Boston Stadium, producing a dominant second-half display to secure all three points in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I opener.
Iraq began the second half looking for an equalizer and nearly found one in the 53rd minute when Aymen Hussein met a cross from Ibrahim Bayesh, but his header drifted off target. The hosts continued to push forward, and Hussein Ali came close again in the 65th minute, lifting an effort onto the roof of the net after connecting with a dangerous delivery.
Norway gradually tightened their grip on the match, and manager Ståle Solbakken’s quadruple substitution in the 73rd minute proved decisive. Oscar Bobb, Kristian Thorstvedt, Andreas Schjelderup, and Leo Østigård were introduced to add fresh energy, and the move paid immediate dividends.
Three minutes later, Østigård extended Norway’s lead. The defender rose completely unmarked to meet a precise Martin Ødegaard corner and powered a header into the net to make it 3-1.
Erling Haaland almost completed a hat-trick in the 83rd minute after capitalizing on a loose Iraqi pass, but goalkeeper Jalal Hassan reacted well to deny him from close range. Iraq’s frustrations grew, and Zaid Tahseen received the game’s first yellow card in the 86th minute for a cynical foul on Haaland during a counterattack.
Haaland’s towering header from a right-wing cross was inadvertently turned over the line by Aymen Hussein for an own goal, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
The result moves Norway to the top of Group I with three points and a +3 goal difference, while Iraq will need a response in their next group-stage match.
Iraq vs Norway Results Today: FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score, Updates, Stats