Erling Haaland Scores 2 Goals, Norway Kicks Off World Cup 2026 with a Dominant Victory.

This victory is not only historic for Norway but also marks a significant milestone as the Nordic team achieved their biggest win in the history of their participation in the 2026 World Cup .

Haaland's World Cup dream and perfect start.

After nearly 28 years of waiting, Norway is returning to the world's biggest stage. Therefore, expectations for Erling Haaland are extremely high.

From the start of the match, Norway played proactively but had to wait until after the first-half cooling-off to score the opening goal. Following a move down the left wing by defender David Møller Wolfe, the ball was accurately crossed into the penalty area, and Erling Haaland scored his second goal of the World Cup campaign with a precise close-range finish.

Iraq equalized, but Erling Haaland scored two goals to extinguish their hopes.

Iraq were not easily subdued. They quickly responded and equalized 1-1 thanks to a powerful header from Aymen Hussein.

However, Iraq's euphoria did not last long.

Before the first half ended, Erling Haaland continued to impress with his aggressive pressing of the opposing goalkeeper. A mistake in handling the ball by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan allowed the ball to bounce off Haaland and roll into the net.

Once again, Haaland scored two goals in the first half, giving Norway a 2-1 lead before the break.

Haaland's outstanding statistics at the 2026 World Cup.

• Category Parameter
• Goal 2
• Construction 1 indirect phase
• Shot on target 3
• Match time 90 minutes

Norway secured a convincing 4-1 victory.

In the second half, Norway continued to control the game. In the 76th minute, center-back Leo Ostigard headed in a goal from a precise corner kick taken by captain Martin Odegaard, making the score 3-1.

In injury time, Haaland continued his involvement, contributing to the fourth goal with a header that led to an own goal by Iraq, sealing the 4-1 victory.

This victory gives Norway a perfect start at the 2026 World Cup and creates a significant advantage in the race in Group I.

Erling Haaland scored two goals and sent a message to the 2026 World Cup.

This performance shows why Erling Haaland scored two goals in the opening match and is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.

Norway, with the combination of Haaland and Martin Odegaard, is becoming one of the potential surprise teams at the 2026 World Cup .

Key highlights of the match

• Erling Haaland scored two goals in his 2026 World Cup debut.
• Norway thrashed Iraq 4-1.
• Martin Odegaard creates and orchestrates the gameplay.
• Leo Ostigard scored a crucial goal from a set piece.
• Norway leads Group I after the first round of matches.
• Other stars will also compete in the 2026 World Cup.
• In other matches, Rayan Cherki came on late in France's 3-1 victory over Senegal.

Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri played the full 90 minutes but was unable to prevent Algeria from suffering a 0-3 defeat against Argentina.

Superstar Lionel Messi shone with a superb hat-trick, bringing his total World Cup goals to match Miroslav Klose's record.

Conclude

The 4-1 victory against Iraq was not only a perfect start but also a strong statement from Norway at the 2026 World Cup . And at the center of all attention was the outstanding performance of Erling Haaland, who scored two goals , solidifying his position as one of the world's leading strikers.