Iraq vs Norway: Winners & losers - Haaland brace powers Norway's return

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·17 June 2026

Iraq vs Norway: Winners & losers - Haaland brace powers Norway's return

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4–1 in their World Cup Group I opener, marking both nations' long-awaited returns to the tournament. Leo Østigård headed home three minutes after entering as a substitute to seal the victory, while a costly defensive error undermined Iraq's competitive first-half display. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Iraq v Norway.

Winners

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Haaland announced himself on the World Cup stage with a match-winning brace that powered Norway to victory. His opening goal came at 29 minutes when he slid in at the far post to convert David Møller Wolfe's low cross with a left-footed finish, giving Norway the lead they would never truly relinquish.

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His second goal at 43 minutes demonstrated predatory instincts. When Zaid Tahseen's weak backpass left goalkeeper Jalal Hassan scrambling, Haaland closed down instantly and deflected the ball into the net. The strike came just four minutes after Iraq had equalized, immediately restoring Norway's advantage at a pivotal moment.

Haaland went close to completing his hat-trick in the 83rd minute but was denied by Hassan's excellent save. Beyond his goals, his constant movement created space for teammates and drew multiple defenders throughout. Two goals in his first World Cup appearance established his tournament credentials emphatically and set the tone for Norway's campaign.

Leo Østigård (Norway)

Østigård made an immediate impact as a substitute, heading home the decisive third goal just three minutes after entering the pitch. The defender rose highest among four Iraqi markers to meet Martin Ødegaard's corner at 76 minutes, powering his header into the far corner and effectively ending the contest.

His goal exemplified Norway's aerial superiority from set pieces that had troubled Iraq's defence throughout the match. Introduced at 73 minutes as part of a quadruple substitution, Østigård had barely touched the ball before finding himself in the right position to score. His timing and leap were exemplary.

The goal extended Norway's lead to 3–1 at a point when Iraq still harbored hopes of a comeback. Østigård then slotted into the backline and helped see out the match comfortably, providing physical presence in the closing stages. An outstanding contribution for a player on the pitch for just over 20 minutes.

Loser

Zaid Tahseen (Iraq)

Tahseen's poor backpass directly gifted Norway their second goal at a critical moment. His weak pass towards goalkeeper Jalal Hassan lacked pace and allowed Haaland to close down and deflect the ball into the net at 43 minutes. The error came just four minutes after Iraq had equalized, immediately shifting momentum back to Norway.

The centre-back's struggles extended beyond the costly mistake. An earlier shot from distance sailed harmlessly over the bar, and his night ended with a yellow card at 86 minutes for bringing down Haaland during a counter-attack. He struggled to contain Norway's aerial threat from set pieces and failed to track runners effectively.

Tahseen's error proved the match's turning point. Iraq had just leveled through Aymen Hussein's header and appeared to be building momentum entering the closing stages of the first half. Instead, Norway went into the break with a lead they would extend, and Iraq never recovered from the defensive lapse that defined Tahseen's evening.