Norway 4-1 Iraq: Haaland and Odegaard Star as Norway Announce World Cup Arrival
Norway crushed Iraq 4-1 in their World Cup 2026 Group I opener with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard combining brilliantly. Norway are a genuine dark horse.
Norway had to wait 28 years to return to the World Cup. Their first match made the wait worthwhile — a 4-1 demolition of Iraq that announced this Norwegian side to a global audience that had only seen them on Champions League highlights.
With Erling Haaland leading the line and Martin Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Norway served notice in their Group I opener: this is not a team here to make up the numbers.
Match Summary
Norway 4-1 Iraq Group I, Matchday 1 | June 16, 2026
The Return of Norway
Norway qualified for their first World Cup since France 1998 — a 28-year absence that ended the moment Erling Haaland arrived as a generational talent capable of carrying a nation. The anticipation for this moment in Norway has been building since Haaland broke goalscoring records at Manchester City.
He is here. Norway are here. The 4-1 win over Iraq was the opening statement.
Haaland and Odegaard — The Partnership That Matters
Erling Haaland at this World Cup represents one of the most awaited tournament arrivals in recent memory. The Manchester City striker who set the Premier League's single-season goalscoring record in 2022-23 has never had the chance to show this level at a World Cup. He has it now.
Martin Odegaard — the Arsenal captain and one of the finest creative midfielders in Europe — provides the link between midfield and Haaland that makes Norway's attacking structure tick.
The 4-1 win over Iraq showed what they can do when both are in form together.
Group I Context
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| Senegal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| Iraq | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
France and Norway both win matchday 1. The clash between the two — France vs Norway — will likely decide who tops Group I.
Dark Horse Warning
Norway are more than a curiosity. Their squad has Premier League and Champions League quality throughout — Haaland, Odegaard, Sander Berge in midfield, Kristoffer Ajer at the back. They press intensely, score freely, and Haaland makes every set-piece and transition a threat.
If they top Group I, they avoid France until the later rounds. The bracket could open up significantly.
Follow Norway's fixtures and Group I standings on Kickoff26.
Norway 4-1 Iraq. 28 years in the making. Haaland is at the World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Norway vs Iraq at World Cup 2026?
Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in their Group I matchday 1 game on June 16, 2026.
Did Erling Haaland score at World Cup 2026?
Erling Haaland featured in Norway's 4-1 opening win over Iraq at World Cup 2026 — Norway's first World Cup since 1998.
What group is Norway in at World Cup 2026?
Norway are in Group I at World Cup 2026, alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq.
When did Norway last qualify for the World Cup?
Norway last qualified for the World Cup in 1998. Their 2026 appearance is their first in 28 years — and they have Erling Haaland.
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