Erling Haaland has brace in World Cup debut; Norway trounce Iraq

Erling Haaland scored two goals in his World Cup debut, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener. The match, held in Foxborough, marked Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global sporting event, and Haaland's performance is significant for international football rankings and player legacy.
Erling Haaland s first-half brace in his World Cup debut helped Norway to a 4-1 victory against Iraq in the Group I opener for both teams on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) in Foxborough, Mass.
The report is a straightforward factual account of a sporting event.
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