Haaland scores two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on World Cup return

Lead

Norway began their first World Cup in 28 years with a 4–1 victory over Iraq in Group I on Tuesday at Foxborough, Massachusetts. Erling Haaland was the centerpiece of the performance, scoring twice on his World Cup debut—in the 29th and 43rd minutes—to make those his first goals at a major international tournament, as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24. Iraq, appearing in their first World Cup since 1986, briefly leveled in the 39th minute through a header from Aymen Hussein, but Norway regained the lead before half-time and added to it in the second half. Leo Ostigard scored Norway's third goal after coming off the bench, according to Al Jazeera and TASS. The fourth goal is the subject of some disagreement: TASS credits Kristian Thorstvedt with a goal in the 90+7th minute, while Al Jazeera and France 24 describe it as a stoppage-time own goal by Aymen Hussein.

Beyond the scoreline, the match carried a historic element for Pakistan. Al Jazeera reported that Zidane Iqbal, coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute, became the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a FIFA World Cup.

Coverage Comparison

The three outlets whose coverage was reviewed—Al Jazeera, France 24, and TASS—all agree on the final score and Haaland's brace, but they diverge over the fourth goal. Al Jazeera and France 24 attribute it to an own goal by Aymen Hussein, while TASS credits Kristian Thorstvedt in the 90+7th minute. This is the primary factual difference among the reports.

The outlets also provided varying context: Al Jazeera and France 24 both mention that Iraq's route to the World Cup came through the 2–1 playoff win over Bolivia in March and that Haaland's goals were his first in a major intercontinental tournament. TASS added the group's composition, its placement of France and Senegal in the same group, and a note on Iraq's and Norway's long absences from the World Cup.

Key Claims

• Norway defeated Iraq 4–1 in the Group I opener, as reported by Al Jazeera, France 24, and TASS.
• Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway, in the 29th and 43rd minutes. Al Jazeera and France 24 stated these were his first goals at a major international tournament; TASS also recorded the two goals without that descriptor.
• Leo Ostigard scored Norway's third goal, a header after coming off the bench, per Al Jazeera and TASS.
• The fourth goal for Norway is disputed: Al Jazeera and France 24 report an own goal by Iraq's Aymen Hussein in stoppage time, while TASS credits Kristian Thorstvedt with a 90+7th-minute goal.
• Aymen Hussein scored Iraq's equalizer in the 39th minute, as confirmed by Al Jazeera, France 24, and TASS.
• Iraq qualified for the World Cup by winning a 2–1 playoff against Bolivia in March, a claim carried by Al Jazeera and France 24.
• This was Iraq's first World Cup since 1986 and Norway's first since 1998, noted by TASS and echoed by Al Jazeera and France 24.
• Zidane Iqbal, who entered the match in the 59th minute, was the first player of Pakistani heritage to appear in a World Cup, as reported by Al Jazeera.