Iraq v Norway
Play By Play
The full-time whistle sounds at Boston Stadium as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 to kick off their World Cup campaign with three points. Norway took the lead in the 29th minute as Moller Wolfe’s left-wing centre was tapped in by Haaland at the back post. Iraq deservedly levelled the scoreline six minutes before the break as Al Ammari’s floated delivery was met by Hussein’s towering header. However, the Iraqi celebrations were cut short as Norway retook the lead in the 43rd minute as Haaland closed down goalkeeper Hassan before finding the back of the net. Iraq almost levelled it before half-time, but Al Hamadi saw his strike trickle past the left-hand post before Hashim’s volley flew inches over the woodwork. It was more of the same from Iraq in the second half with Ali skewing a close-range attempt at the back post before an unmarked Ostigard glanced a header past the helpless Hassan following a right-wing corner from Odegaard in the 76th minute. It got better for Solbakken’s side in second-half stoppage time as Thorstvedt's flick-on was inadvertently converted into the net by Hussein for Norway’s fourth. Iraq created 11 shots with one on target, reflected by an xG of 0.77, whereas Norway registered 12 shots with five on target, highlighted by an xG of 2.59. Norway move top of Group I, level on points with France, but ahead on goal difference, whereas Iraq sit bottom of the table. It does not get any easier for Iraq, who will face France on 22 June. For Norway, they will turn their attention to Senegal on 23 June. That concludes our live commentary of this entertaining 2026 World Cup Group I contest. We hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and take care!
FULL-TIME: IRAQ 1-4 NORWAY
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! NORWAY GRAB A FOURTH!!! Ajer controls the ball on the right before floating a delivery to the back post. Haaland heads it back across goal with Thorstvedt's flick inadvertently converted into the net by Hussein! Iraq 1-4 Norway!
Next up for Norway in Group I is a game against Senegal, whereas Iraq have the daunting task of facing tournament favourites France...
There will be six minutes of additional time at the end of the second half.
Norway should have scored a fourth! However, Thorstvedt drags a six-yard effort wide of the upright! Haaland is not happy with his team-mate as he was free at the back post!
The tempo in this contest seems to have come down a notch after an energetic 85 minutes or so. Norway are heading for a brilliant win here...
YELLOW! Tahseen receives the first booking of the contest as he brings down Haaland on the halfway line!
BIG SAVE! HAALAND IS DENIED A HAT-TRICK! Iraq make a mess of it as Iqbal plays it back to his goalkeeper, with Haaland intercepting the pass and getting an effort away on goal. But, Hassan gets down low to deny the Manchester City striker with a brave stop!
Another change for Norway sees Odegaard come off for Berg. Odegaard hands over the captain's armband to Haaland.
Norway have scored three goals in a World Cup or European Championship match for the first time in their history. It's been a professional performance from Solbakken's side!
In response to that Norway goal, Iraq make another substitution as Bayesh comes off for Ali.
Captain Odegaard gets in on the act with a fabulous assist. The Premier League champion's delivery was expertly met by Ostigard!
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!! NORWAY GET THEIR THIRD AND SURELY THAT IS GAME OVER!! Odegaard whips in a right-wing corner into a dangerous area with an unmarked Ostigard glancing a header past the helpless Hassan! Norway lead 3-1!
After all those substitutions, the hydration break has ended, and play has resumed!
As expected, the injured Jasim comes off for Qasem.
A couple of substitutions for Iraq. The first sees Ali replaced by Saadoon.
Sorloth comes off for Fulham's Bobb.
Moller Wolfe, who got the assist for Norway's first goal, is replaced by Ostigard.
Aursnes comes off for Thorstvedt.
Norway proceed to make four substitutions! The first sees Nusa replaced by Schjelderup.
Play has stopped for a hydration break! Norway currently lead Iraq 2-1 at Boston Stadium...
INJURY! OH NO! Jasim goes down holding his neck after an earlier challenge with Nusa. Jasim can no longer continue, and trudges off the pitch!
The eventual corner comes to nothing! It seems as if Norway are preparing a few changes as we enter the last 20 minutes of this Group I contest.
Norway win a corner down the left as Nusa's low cross is blocked by Ali. Shortly afterwards, Heggem goes down with cramp!
