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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored twice to power Norway to a 4-1 World Cup victory over Iraq in Boston on Tuesday, marking the nation’s triumphant return to a major tournament after a 26-year absence.
The Manchester City striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute by turning in a low cross from David Moller Wolfe, though Iraq quickly responded when Aymen Hussein powered home an equalising header.
Haaland restored Norway’s lead before halftime, intercepting a slow clearance from goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to score his 57th international goal in just 51 appearances.
The victory places Norway at the top of Group I on goal difference, level with France, who defeated Senegal 3-1 earlier in the day.
Second-half substitute Leo Ostigard effectively sealed the match for Norway by heading in a corner from Martin Odegaard in the 76th minute.
Deep into stoppage time, Iraq’s Hussein accidentally deflected another Haaland header into his own net to hand the Norwegians their fourth goal.
Norway’s win caps a long-awaited return to the world stage, having last appeared at the tournament in 1998 under current coach Stale Solbakken, who then played as a midfielder.
Iraq fought a gruelling 21-match, 867-day qualifying campaign to secure the 48th and final tournament spot, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Norway will next face Senegal in New Jersey on June 22.
