Norway vs Iraq result: Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in World Cup Group I opener
Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday night. The game was on June 16, 2026. It marked Norway’s return to the world stage after years away. Erling Haaland was everywhere. He scored, pressed, and forced errors. Aymen Hussein scored a historic goal for Iraq. But he also scored a late own goal. Norway now sits level with France on 3 points in Group I. Iraq stayed bottom but showed fight.
Norway vs Iraq: Match Intro
Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 on June 16. The World Cup game was Group I’s opener. Norway are back at the World Cup and they looked ready. Erling Haaland ran the show. He tracked back, pressed defenders, and scored.
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Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s first World Cup goal ever. He also won aerial duels all night. But a late own goal hurt him. Norway took 3 points. They sit top with France. Iraq proved they can fight, even in defeat.
First Half Summary
Norway came out sharp. They pressed high from the start. Haaland dropped deep then sprinted in behind. Iraq tried to play through pressure. They had moments. Aymen Hussein was strong in the air. He won duels and held the ball up.
Norway had more shots. Iraq’s keeper Jalal Hassan looked shaky. He came for crosses and missed them. Norway moved the ball fast. Wingers stretched Iraq’s back line. Chances came early. Norway scored first. Iraq stayed calm and pushed back. 1-0 at half but the game felt open.
Norway vs Iraq: Turning Point
Jal Hassan’s mistake killed Iraq’s momentum. The veteran keeper had a mental lapse. He hesitated on a back pass. Haaland jumped in and forced an error. That gifted Norway their second goal. From there Iraq had to chase. The game opened up. Norway countered with pace.
Haaland ran channels and dragged defenders out. Iraq pushed higher and left space. That error changed the score and the plan. Iraq went from fighting for a draw to chasing the game.
Goals and Key Moments
4-1 final. Norway scored four. Iraq got one. Haaland scored and pressed all night. He forced the keeper to make an error for goal two.
Aymen Hussein scored Iraq’s first ever World Cup goal. Historic moment for Iraq.
Hussein also scored a late own goal. Bad luck after a strong game.
Jal Hassan’s lapse led directly to Haaland’s second goal. That was the killer.
Norway attacked in waves. Iraq fought back but mistakes cost them.
Player Performance
Man of the match: Erling Haaland. 9/10. He was instrumental all night. He tracked back, pressed relentlessly, and forced errors. He scored and created chaos. Norway looked dangerous every time he moved.
Best Iraq: Aymen Hussein. 7/10. He scored Iraq’s first World Cup goal. He won aerial duels and held up play. Then came the tragic late own goal. Tough ending after a big game.
Weakest: Jalal Hassan. 4.5/10. The veteran keeper’s momentary lapse gifted Haaland the decisive second goal. One mistake changed everything for Iraq.
What It Means
Norway vs Iraq finished 4-1. Norway have 3 points. They sit level with France at the top of Group I. That makes them immediate favourites to advance. The return to the World Cup started with a statement.
Iraq stayed bottom after one game. But their performance shows they can fight for a knockout spot. Hussein’s goal proved they can hurt teams. They just need to cut mistakes.
Next matches
Norway faces Senegal on June 22, 2026. Iraq play France the same day.
Post-match reaction
Iraq manager Graham Arnold said: “I thought the boys did exceptionally well. A couple of mistakes hurt us badly… but what a great occasion this has been for Iraq. A special night.”
Norway looks confident. Iraq showed heart. Group I is wide open.
Also Read: Is the War Finally Over in Letter and Spirit? Here’s the 14-point Iran US MoU
