World Cup 2026 · 2026-06-18

Norway Are Back — And Haaland Announced It With Two Goals

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway thrashed Iraq 4-1 on their first World Cup stage in 28 years.

Erling Haaland has never seen Norway at a World Cup — he was born two years after their last appearance at France 1998. On Tuesday night at Gillette Stadium in Boston, he made their return impossible to ignore, netting twice as Norway beat Iraq 4-1.

The Manchester City striker was the driving force behind Norway's qualification campaign, scoring 16 goals as his side went 8-0 through the qualifiers, scoring 37 times. He has picked up exactly where he left off.

Haaland's double places him in the chasing pack for the Golden Boot on two goals, level with Mbappé, Kane and several others. Norway will be desperate to keep him fit and firing deep into the tournament.

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