Match report
Iraq 1-4 Norway: Haaland Brace Puts Norway Top of Group I
Norway's return to the World Cup started with the result Group I favorites wanted and the group outsiders feared. A 4-1 win over Iraq, driven by an Erling Haaland brace, leaves Norway top of the section after the opening round and puts immediate pressure on Iraq before they face France next.
Iraq vs Norway final score
Final score: Iraq 1, Norway 4. Haaland scored in the 10th and 57th minutes, Aymen Hussein briefly levelled for Iraq in the first half, Leo Ostigard restored Norway's lead before the break, and a late own goal pushed the margin out further.
The Guardian's live report described Iraq as competitive enough to stay in the contest at 2-1 before the third goal changed the mood. That matters because the final scoreline was heavy, but Iraq were not completely out of the game until late.
Norway therefore collected not just points but a major early goal-difference edge, which is why they end the day above France despite both teams winning.
How Group I changed
Group I now has Norway first on three points with a +3 goal difference and France second on three points with +2 after beating Senegal 3-1.
Senegal are third on zero points with a -2 goal difference, and Iraq are fourth on zero with -3. That means Iraq begin the second matchday not only chasing points but already carrying the worst tiebreak position in the group.
The result also gave Norway a small but real advantage in the race for first place. If the top two teams finish level on points later, this opening margin may matter.
Qualification picture
Norway's next match against Senegal is now a control game. Win it and Norway would be on six points and very close to the round of 32; even a draw would keep them in a strong position entering the final round.
Iraq still have the best-third-place route available in theory, but the next match against France already looks severe. Another defeat would leave them needing a big final-day swing in both points and goal difference.
For France, Norway's four-goal haul also raises the bar. The group's biggest teams are both on three points, but Norway currently own the edge.
Key players and talking points
Haaland was the obvious difference-maker because two goals in an opener immediately push him into the tournament's scoring conversation. Ostigard's goal also mattered because it restored control before Iraq could grow into the match.
Hussein's equaliser was Iraq's best moment and confirmed they could trouble Norway when the ball reached him in good areas. The problem for Iraq was that they still conceded too many controllable moments at the other end.
No reliable post-match injury update or major disciplinary incident was confirmed across the source reviewed, so this report keeps the focus on the verified scoreline, the Haaland brace and the Group I table effect.