Iraq vs Norway
Norway are back at the World Cup with a bang, beating Iraq 4-1 as Erling Haaland scored twice on their big return.
How the match went
After years away from the World Cup, Norway turned up and made a statement.
Erling Haaland put them ahead in the 29th minute, and you could see why everyone fears him.
But Iraq refused to fold, and Aymen Hussein levelled it at 1-1 in the 39th minute for one of their best moments in years.
The joy did not last long, because Haaland struck again in the 43rd minute to make it 1-2 at the break.
Leo Ostigard added a 3rd in the 76th minute, and the game was slipping away from Iraq.
Then came the cruel twist, as Aymen Hussein, Iraq's goalscorer, turned the ball into his own net in the 96th minute for Norway's 4th.
It was a painful end for Hussein, who gave Iraq their goal and then this one too, on a night that simply would not go their way.
For Norway, it was the dream return they had waited so long for.
Key moments
- ⚽ 29' Haaland (Norway)
- ⚽ 39' Hussein (Iraq)
- ⚽ 76' Østigård (Norway)
- ⚽ 90+6' Hussein (Norway)
- Date
- Tuesday, June 16
- Kickoff Time
- 18:00 (New York time)
- Stage
- Group stage, Group I
- Stadium
- Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
- Attendance
- 63,106
- Referee
- Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
What’s next for Iraq?
Iraq play France on June 22, and it does not get any easier.
France just beat Senegal 3-1, so Iraq will need a much tighter night at the back.
After this 4-1 loss, even a single point would feel like real progress.
What’s next for Norway?
Norway face Senegal on June 22, and confidence will be sky high.
With Erling Haaland in this kind of form, every defender in the group is worried.
But a win here would put Norway in a brilliant spot to reach the next round.
Common questions
When and where was Iraq vs Norway played?
The match was played on Tuesday June 16, 2026 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. It was a Group I game in front of 63,106 fans.
What was the final score of Iraq vs Norway?
Norway won 4-1. It was 1-2 to Norway at half-time after Iraq had briefly equalised to make it 1-1.
Who scored for Norway against Iraq?
Erling Haaland scored twice, in the 29th and 43rd minutes. Leo Ostigard added a 3rd, and an own goal from Iraq's Aymen Hussein made it 4 late on.
Who scored Iraq's goal?
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq's only goal in the 39th minute to make it 1-1. Sadly he also put the ball into his own net in stoppage time for Norway's 4th.
Who do Iraq and Norway play next?
Iraq play France on June 22 in their 2nd Group I game. Norway play Senegal on the same day, full of confidence after this big win.