Haaland double sinks Iraq on World Cup return

Haaland buries Iraq on World Cup return

Forty years of waiting, and Erling Haaland was there to greet you. Norway 4–1 Iraq in the Group I opener in Boston, and the Manchester City striker scored twice on his World Cup debut (1) (3) (7). He also added an assist (7). Leo Ostigard got the other goal (7). Aymen Hussein scored Iraq's goal, your first at a World Cup since 1986 (4). Haaland kept it simple afterwards: "I think today you saw the same energy" (1).

Hassan error gifts Haaland his second

Jalal Hassan will not want to watch this one back. The Iraq goalkeeper came rushing out of his box to deal with a long ball, misjudged it completely, and Haaland rolled the ball into an empty net (5). The BBC called it a moment of "Dear, oh dear!" (5). That made it 3–1 and any hope of a comeback evaporated.

Hussein writes his own story

One bright note on a tough night. Aymen Hussein's goal was decades in the making, the striker's path to this moment has been shaped by personal tragedy and relentless perseverance (4). He is now the first Iraqi to score at a World Cup in 40 years. That matters, even in defeat.

France and Senegal set the group

You go into the second match knowing the mountain got steeper. France beat Senegal 3–1 in the other Group I fixture, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice (7). Iraq sit bottom of the group after one round. Next up: Senegal.

Fan reactions

City fans on Reddit are buzzing about Haaland's debut, two goals, one assist, and a MOTM award with only 20 touches. Some noted he nearly had a third if not for a good save from Hassan. The broader mood among neutral fans is that Iraq showed fight early but were simply outgunned once Norway found their rhythm. One match thread captured it plainly: Iraq scored first through Hussein, then Haaland took over. Read the discussion