Iraq loses 4-1 to Norway in 2026 World Cup opener

BAGHDAD, Iraq — BOSTON — Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway on Wednesday in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Foxborough Stadium, falling behind early before rallying briefly in the first half. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalizing on an error in the Iraqi defense. Iraq equalized in the 39th minute through a header by Aymen Hussein from inside the penalty area. Shortly before halftime, Haaland struck again after a miscommunication between Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan and defender Zaid Taysir. Norway extended its lead to 3-1 in the 76th minute through a header by Leo Østigård and added a fourth goal in stoppage time during a scramble inside the box. The defeat leaves Iraq at the bottom of Group F alongside France and Senegal, the other two teams in the group. The match marked Iraq's first World Cup appearance since its lone previous qualification in 1986, when Mexico hosted the tournament.