Iraq began its 2026 World Cup campaign with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway in the opening round of Group H at Boston Stadium.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Aymen Hussein equalized for Iraq in the 39th minute.

Haaland restored Norway’s lead before halftime, while Leo Østigård added a third goal in the 76th minute. Iraq’s woes were compounded when Aymen Hussein scored an own goal in stoppage time.

The victory sent Norway to the top of the group standings, while Iraq remained without points.