Twenty-eight years. That is how long Norway waited to return to the World Cup. They sent their greatest ever player — arguably one of the finest strikers the sport has produced — to make that wait worthwhile. Erling Haaland did not disappoint. He scored twice in 40 minutes, added an assist, and helped his country to a 4-1 win over Iraq that announced Norway's arrival at this tournament with something close to violence.
This was everything Norwegian football has been building towards since Haaland emerged as a teenager at Molde. The 25-year-old, who tops the all-time Norway scoring charts by a distance, finally had his World Cup. And he made sure everyone knew he was here.
Haaland Breaks the Record, Then Breaks Iraq
He needed just 29 minutes to score his first World Cup goal. By the time Norway were done, he had two — his 56th and 57th international goals — equalling the Norwegian record for World Cup goals previously held by midfielder Kjetil Rekdal. The difference is Rekdal took years and multiple tournaments to reach that tally. Haaland got there in one game.
His first came after a defensive blunder gifted Norway possession in a dangerous area. Haaland does not miss those chances. His second was more typical — arriving into the box at the right moment, controlling, turning, and finishing with the efficiency that has made him the most feared centre-forward in club football for the past four years. Iraq were simply unable to deal with his size, speed, and movement.
Norway's Collective Quality Shines Through
But this was not just a Haaland show. Norway looked cohesive, well-organised, and dangerous from multiple areas. Their press was relentless, their wide play created space for Haaland to exploit, and when Iraq pulled one back late on to make it uncomfortable, Norway did not panic — they simply kept doing what they had been doing all game.
The result places Norway in an intriguing position in Group I. They face Senegal next on June 22 before a final group game against France on June 26. Both matches are winnable, and if Haaland continues at this rate, Norway may find themselves going deep into this tournament.
The Golden Boot Race Begins
With two goals from his opening game, Haaland has immediately made himself a leading contender for the Golden Boot. He shares the early lead with Jonathan David, who also has two goals. Lionel Messi is closing in after his own explosive tournament start. The race has barely begun, but a striker who averaged a goal per game throughout qualifying — 16 goals in eight matches — seems well placed to go the distance.
Match facts: Norway 4-1 Iraq | FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I | Gillette Stadium, Boston | June 16, 2026 | Haaland goals: 29', 40'
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