Iraq 1-4 Norway: Haaland brace fires Norway clear in Group I
If you slept through the 6am kickoff, the short version is brutal: Norway rolled into Foxborough and dismantled Iraq 4-1, Erling Haaland helping himself to a first-half brace. Iraq landed one glorious punch through Aymen Hussein but were second best for long stretches. A statement opening for the Norwegians, a chastening one for Iraq.
Final score: Iraq 1-4 Norway — kick-off was Wednesday 17 June 2026, 6:00 AM Singapore time at Boston (Foxborough).
The storylines
This was Norway announcing themselves in Group I. Haaland opened the scoring on 29 minutes, turning in David Wolfe's delivery, and the centre-forward doubled it just before the break on 43 to leave Iraq reeling. The four-goal haul, capped by Leo Østigård's header and a cruel late own goal, hands Norway a perfect three points and the early initiative. On this evidence, they look every bit a side built to go deep in North America.
Iraq will replay the four minutes either side of the half-hour for some time. Aymen Hussein's 39th-minute strike, teed up by Amir Al Ammari, briefly hauled them level and hinted at a contest. But Haaland's near-immediate response on 43 punctured that belief, and the second half drifted away from them. The night ended in the worst possible symmetry: Hussein, Iraq's hero, turning into his own net on 96 to complete the rout.
The scoreline flatters nobody on the Iraqi side and yet there were flickers worth keeping. Hussein's finish proved his nous in the box, and the changes ringing through after the hour suggested a coaching staff already thinking about points elsewhere. Norway, by contrast, emptied their bench from a position of total control, with Østigård rewarding his introduction. Three points, a healthy goal difference and a marker laid down: this group now runs through Oslo.
The tactical battle
Norway's pattern was built on width and a target man. Wolfe's left-sided service for the opener showed the plan: get the ball wide and feed Haaland in the box, where his movement repeatedly pulled Iraq's backline apart. Iraq committed bodies forward to find Hussein and briefly succeeded, but the trade-off left space behind. Once Haaland restored the lead before half-time, Norway controlled tempo, recycled possession and used substitutes like Østigård to keep applying pressure rather than chase.
Players to watch
- Erling Haaland (Norway) — A clinical first-half brace that decided the match before the interval.
- Aymen Hussein (Iraq) — Iraq's lone bright spark, though the night ended with a cruel own goal.
- Martin Ødegaard (Norway) — The captain orchestrated from midfield and supplied the assist for Østigård's header.
What's at stake
Group I has split early. Norway and France sit top on three points, while Iraq and Senegal are yet to register. A four-goal defeat leaves Iraq needing results fast, with goal difference now a real concern. Norway's emphatic start, by contrast, gives them breathing room and momentum heading into the rest of the group.
Key moments
- 29' Haaland opens the scoring, assisted by David Wolfe
- 39' Aymen Hussein levels for Iraq from Amir Al Ammari's pass
- 43' Haaland restores Norway's lead before half-time
- 77' Østigård heads in Ødegaard's delivery
- 96' Hussein turns into his own net to complete the rout
FAQ
What time is Iraq vs Norway in Singapore? Wednesday 17 June 2026, 6:00 AM Singapore time (SGT).
Where is Iraq vs Norway being played? At Boston (Foxborough).
What is the head-to-head record between Iraq and Norway? A meeting of contrasting trajectories: Norway arrive bullish and full of attacking intent, while Iraq must regroup quickly after a heavy opening defeat in the group.