Iraq Falls to Norway 4-1 in World Cup 2026 Opener

The Iraqi national team began its World Cup 2026 journey with a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Norway in their opening match of the group stage.

This encounter took place in Group D, which also features France and Senegal.

Norway’s Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a clever assist from David Møller-Wolff.

In response, Iraq equalized through a well-placed header from Ayman Hussein.

Iraq’s Lineup Against Norway

Goalkeeper: Jalal Hassan.

Defense: Hussein Ali, Zaid Taha, Riben Sulaka, Mirkhaz Doski.

Midfield: Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jassim, Ali Al-Hamadi, Amir Al-Omari, Zidan Iqbal.

Attack: Ayman Hussein.

Norway’s Lineup Against Iraq

Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland.

Defense: Julian Ryerson, Christopher Ajer, Leo Østigard, David Møller-Wolff.

Midfield: Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Frederik Aursnes.

Attack: Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.

Haaland struck again for Norway to put them ahead 2-1 before Østigard added a third goal with a header. The final score was sealed with another goal from Norway.

Iraq will next face France while Norway prepares to take on Senegal in their upcoming matches.