Boston, June 17 (QNA) - The Iraqi national team began its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-4 defeat against Norway in a match held at Gillette Stadium in Boston, United States, as part of the opening round of Group I.

Norway owed much of its success to star striker Erling Haaland, who scored two goals and provided an assist, playing a direct role in earning his team its first three points of the tournament.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, converting a precise cross directly into the net. Iraq equalized in the 39th minute through striker Aymen Hussein, who rose to meet a cross from Ibrahim Bayesh.

Haaland then capitalized on a defensive mistake to score Norway’s second goal in the 43rd minute, giving his side a 2-1 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Iraq showed promise and was often the more aggressive attacking side, but lacked the finishing touch in front of goal. Norway extended its lead in the 76th minute through Leo Ostigard, before Kristian Thorstvedt added a fourth goal in stoppage time (90+7) following a pass from Haaland.

With the victory, Norway earned its first three points in Group I, while Iraq remain without points ahead of its second match of the tournament. (QNA)