Erling Haaland made a stunning impact on his World Cup debut as Norway triumphed over Iraq with a score of 3-1 on November 21, 2026. The Manchester City striker showcased his goal-scoring prowess with a first-half double, matching Kylian Mbappé's earlier performance for France against Senegal. Haaland's contributions are crucial for Norway's ambitions in the tournament, as they rely heavily on his offensive skills.

Despite his success, Haaland downplayed his coach Ståle Solbakken's praise, acknowledging the impressive form of rivals like Mbappé and Harry Kane. He emphasized the need for focus moving forward, stating, "Of course we have to be happy but also stay calm."

The match marked a significant moment for both teams:

• Iraq, returning to the World Cup after 40 years, showed resilience against a more favored Norwegian side.
• Norway, having waited 28 years for their own World Cup appearance, looked to improve their defensive game as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead, including a match against France.

Haaland's first goal came in the 29th minute, converting a cross from David Møller Wolfe. However, Iraq stunned the crowd with a well-placed equalizer from Hussein shortly after. Just minutes later, a mistake from Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan allowed Haaland to regain the lead for Norway, demonstrating his opportunistic nature.

As the game progressed into the second half, Norway's dominance continued. A goal from substitute Leo Østigård sealed the victory, though Haaland narrowly missed a hat-trick. Overall, this match not only highlighted Haaland's talent but also raised expectations for both teams as the tournament unfolds.