Erling Haaland continued his habit of delivering on football’s biggest stages by scoring twice on his FIFA World Cup debut as Norway opened their campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq.
The Manchester City striker has built a reputation for making an immediate impact wherever he goes, having scored hat-tricks on his Champions League debut for Red Bull Salzburg and Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund, as well as a brace on his Premier League debut for City. On Tuesday, he added another milestone to that list with a commanding performance in his first World Cup finals appearance.
The 25-year-old took centre stage just hours after France forward Kylian Mbappe inspired a 3-1 win over Senegal with two goals. Haaland responded in style, leading Norway’s attack with a display that combined clinical finishing, relentless pressing and leadership.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken praised his star striker after the match, saying Haaland embraced the occasion and showed exactly why he is regarded as one of the world’s leading forwards.
Although Haaland saw relatively little of the ball during the opening half, his influence was decisive. With just under 30 minutes played, he slid in to convert a dangerous cross from David Moller Wolfe, scoring Norway’s first World Cup finals goal since 1998. The lengthy wait stretched more than 10,000 days, with the previous goal coming nearly two years before Haaland was even born.
Iraq briefly levelled through captain Aymen Hussein, whose powerful header restored parity. However, Haaland quickly reasserted Norway’s control. His relentless pressure forced goalkeeper Jalal Hassan into a costly mistake, allowing the striker to charge down a clearance and watch the ball roll into the net for his second goal of the evening.
A hat-trick appeared within reach as Iraq struggled to cope with Haaland’s movement and work rate. He came close on several occasions, including a late chance denied by Hassan and a looping header in stoppage time that ultimately ended up crossing the line off Hussein.
The performance further strengthened Haaland’s remarkable international record. He now has 57 goals in just 51 appearances for Norway, giving him one of the most impressive scoring ratios in international football history. Among players with at least 50 international goals, only Denmark’s Poul Nielsen recorded a better goals-per-game average.
Former England striker Ellen White highlighted Haaland’s physical presence and sharpness in front of goal, suggesting he has the qualities to challenge for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Former Wales captain Ashley Williams was equally impressed, pointing to the striker’s determination and leadership. Williams noted that Haaland’s contribution extended well beyond scoring, with his pressing, energy and influence helping drive Norway forward throughout the match.
With Norway beginning their World Cup journey in emphatic fashion and Haaland already among the tournament’s leading scorers, expectations are growing that Solbakken’s side could emerge as one of the competition’s surprise contenders.