Norway proved too strong for Graham Arnold’s Iraq

Erling Haaland starred with a two-goal performance as Norway proved too strong for Graham Arnold’s Iraq 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.

Haaland scored two goals in 40 minutes on his World Cup debut to cap Norway’s return to the global stage for the first time in 28 years, while Iraq were back after four decades.

Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt also scored.

Thirty-two years ago, Erling’s father Alfie Haaland featured at the World Cup with Norway. On Wednesday (AEST), his star son had his moment on the big stage.

“This is a golden generation for Norway now… they’ve got the man – the main man – Erling Haaland. Any team with him is going to have a chance,” former Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said on Fox Soccer before the match.

Haaland’s World Cup debut went to script.

The Manchester City striker also scored on his UEFA Champions League, Premier League and Bundesliga bows.

And it continued his remarkable record with world number 31 Norway.

Haaland has scored in his last 11 competitive international appearances for the Grass Stallions, dating back to November 2024.

Since debuting in 2019, the 25-year-old has scored a staggering 57 goals in just 51 appearances. Haaland had already shattered a 92-year record by 24 years of age – becoming his country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 34 goals in 36 matches, and he hasn’t looked back.

Haaland’s Norway are back in action against Senegal on June 23, while Arnold’s Iraq take on 2018 champions France on the same day.