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Norway Crushes Iraq 4-1, Haaland Double Leads Group I

6/17/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

**Haaland Powers Norway**

Norway beat Iraq 4–1 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 16, 2026.
Erling Haaland opened scoring in the 29th minute and added a second before halftime, tying Norway’s World Cup record for goals in a match.
Aymen Hussein equalised for Iraq nine minutes after Haaland’s second goal.
Leo Østigård headed the third goal and Kristian Thorvedt scored the fourth in stoppage time, putting Norway top of Group I.

Summary

**Haaland Impresses**

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Erling Haaland, the striker, is climbing his ‘King of the Jungle’ list after his World Cup debut.
Stale Solbakken said Haaland lived up to the occasion and can drive Norway far.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold called Haaland one of the best number nines he has seen.
Analysts label Norway a ‘golden generation’, while Iraq qualified after playing more matches than any nation despite logistical challenges.

History

Historical Context

After a golden era in the 1930s and a resurgence under Egil Olsen that saw Norway rank second worldwide and reach the 1998 World Cup, the nation endured a 28-year absence from the finals. In 2026, Erling Haaland led Norway to direct qualification, scoring 16 goals, including a decisive win over Italy, signaling a new high point.

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**Haaland Powers Norway**

Norway beat Iraq 4–1 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 16, 2026.
Erling Haaland opened scoring in the 29th minute and added a second before halftime, tying Norway’s World Cup record for goals in a match.
Aymen Hussein equalised for Iraq nine minutes after Haaland’s second goal.
Leo Østigård headed the third goal and Kristian Thorvedt scored the fourth in stoppage time, putting Norway top of Group I.

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