World Cup 2026: Erling Haaland scores double as Norway lead Iraq 2-1 at half-time

Erling Haaland scored a brace on his World Cup debut as Norway went into the halftime leading Iraq 2-1 in their Group I match at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

Haaland capitalised on a superb cross from David Moller Wolfe, sliding the ball home at the far post in the 29th minute.

Aymen Hussein scored an equaliser for Iraq in the 39th minute with a brilliant header.

Ali Jasim found Amir Al Ammari, who crossed in for Hussein to send the ball past Orjan Nyland.

Four minutes later, the Norway star striker took advantage of a horrible mistake from one of Iraq's most experienced players on the pitch, their goalkeeper, Jalal Hassan, who smashed a clearance off the onrushing Haaland and into the goal.

Iraq starting XI

Jalal Hassan (GK, C), Merchas Doski, Akam Hashim, Zaid Tahseen, Hussein Ali, Ali Jasim, Amir Al Ammari, Zaid Ismael, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al Hamadi, Aymen Hussein

Norway starting XI

Ørjan Nyland, David Møller Wolfe, Torbjørn Heggem, Kristoffer Ajer, Julian Ryerson, Antonio Nusa, Fredrik Aursnes, Sander Berge, Martin Ødegaard (C), Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth

Team Form

Iraq Recent Form

Iraq 0-2 Venezuela (N) – Lost – Friendly

Spain 1-1 Iraq (A) – Drew – Friendly

Iraq 1-0 Andorra (N) – Won – Friendly

Iraq 2-1 Bolivia (N) – Won – World Cup qualifying playoff

Jordan 1-0 Iraq (N) – Lost – Arab Cup

Norway Recent Form

Norway 1-1 Morocco (N) – Drew – Friendly

Norway 3-1 Sweden (H) – Won – Friendly

Norway 0-0 Switzerland (H) – Drew – Friendly

Netherlands 2-1 Norway (A) – Lost – Friendly

Italy 1-4 Norway (A) – Won – World Cup qualifying