Norway Dominate From the Off
Norway opened their World Cup 2026 hub campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Iraq 4–1 in a one-sided Group I contest on 16 June 2026.
Haaland broke the deadlock in the 29th minute to give Norway an early advantage. Iraq hit back almost immediately, with Hussein levelling in the 39th minute to make it 1–1. The equaliser proved short-lived, however — Haaland restored Norway’s lead just four minutes later, heading into the interval with his second of the match in the 43rd minute.
Norway Pull Clear in the Second Half
Norway extended their advantage further when Østigård struck in the 76th minute, making it 3–1 and putting the result beyond doubt.
The scoring was rounded off deep into stoppage time when Hussein turned the ball into his own net in the 90th+6th minute, giving Norway a 4–1 win that flatters neither side in its conclusiveness.
The result leaves Norway level on three points with France at the top of Group I after the opening round of fixtures, while Iraq and Senegal sit on zero points having each lost their opening game. Check the live World Cup 2026 standings for the latest Group I table as the competition develops.