Erling Haaland announced his grand arrival on the World Cup stage with a clinical first-half double as Norway powered to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener at the Boston Stadium. Marking their return to the global tournament after a 28-year absence, the Norwegians rode on the technical prowess of their star striker to neutralise a spirited Iraqi challenge. The victory propels Norway to the top of the group standings on goal difference, sitting level on three points with fellow heavyweights France.

The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when winger Antonio Nusa orchestrated a slick passing sequence, finding David Møller Wolfe whose precise low cross from the left channel was smartly turned in by Haaland from close range. Iraq, competing in their first World Cup since 1986, refused to buckle and equalised 10 minutes later through a moment of historic brilliance. Amir Al-Ammari stood up a magnificent cross into the penalty area, allowing talismanic forward Aymen Hussein to rise brilliantly and power a majestic header past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

Parity lasted a mere three minutes before a colossal defensive blunder gift-wrapped Norway’s second goal of the afternoon just before the half-time interval. Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan hesitated fatally over a routine back-pass, allowing a charging Haaland to intercept his slow clearance, which ricocheted off the striker’s shin and directly into the vacant net. Despite the unfortunate setback, Iraq threatened to level again before the break as Akam Hashim unleashed a spectacular volley that whistled mere inches over the crossbar.

The Norwegian side extended their lead in the 76th minute when substitute defender Leo Østigård leapt highest to guide captain Martin Ødegaard’s corner into the back of the net. Norway added a fourth goal deep into stoppage time when a looping header from Haaland deflected off Hussein and trickled over the line. The comprehensive 4-1 victory leaves Norway on top of Group I ahead of their upcoming matches against Senegal and France.