Iraq vs Norway World Cup 2026 Group I Match in Massachusetts
The 2026 World Cup Group I match between Iraq and Norway took place on June 16-17, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston. Norway, featuring stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, returned to the tournament after 28 years, while Iraq made its second finals appearance since 1986. The match was broadcast on BBC One, Fox Sports, Telemundo, and beIN Sports. Both teams fielded full-strength squads in this first-ever competitive encounter between the nations.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Erling Haaland and Norway Face Hotel Disruption Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final Against England
Erling Haaland and the Norwegian national team were forced to leave their hotel in Miami due to noisy construction work, just days before their 2026 World Cup quarter-final match against England. The disruption follows earlier issues with sick players in the squad. The article also covers Norway's group stage performance, including a 4-1 victory over Iraq where Haaland scored, and previews the upcoming match against England. Additional context includes Haaland's rivalry with Kylian Mbappé, his father's comments about a potential transfer to Real Madrid, and Haaland's legendary status in Norway due to his exceptional goal-scoring record.
Home Football - actualitésHaaland's Last-Minute Winner and Mbappé's Brace Highlight World Cup Round of 16 Action
On July 1, the FIFA World Cup group stage continued with three matches. Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time, matching their best-ever World Cup performance. Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in the 85th minute, his fifth goal in three matches, becoming Norway's all-time top World Cup scorer. France beat Sweden 3-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a brace (now 10 goals in 9 knockout matches, a historic first) and Michael Olise providing two assists. Hosts Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0, securing their fourth consecutive win without conceding a goal, breaking a streak of seven consecutive tournaments eliminated in the first knockout round. The article also includes a promotional contest sponsored by Visa asking readers to count 'Visa Moment' goals.
虎扑 - 足球Norway beats Ivory Coast 2-1 in 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Haaland scores decisive goal
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal just as the match seemed destined for extra time. The victory advances Norway to the quarterfinals, where they will face Brazil. The article highlights Haaland's performance and a notable gesture he made just before scoring what is described as a historic goal.
Fútbol en AS.comErling Haaland Scores in First Three World Cup Matches, First to Achieve Feat in 72 Years
In a World Cup Round of 16 match, Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring a goal. According to statistics, Haaland has now scored in each of his first three World Cup appearances, making him the first player to achieve this feat in the past 72 years. The match highlights Haaland's continued international form and Norway's progress in the tournament. The report, sourced from Hupu Football News and credited to X (formerly Twitter), underscores Haaland's historic start to his World Cup career.
虎扑 - 足球Erling Haaland's Late Goal Secures Norway Win Over Ivory Coast; Brazil Awaits in Round of 16
Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match in Dallas, thanks to an 86th-minute winner from Erling Haaland. Antonio Nusa scored a brilliant opener for Norway in the 39th minute, but Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute. Haaland, who had a quiet game, scored a mis-hit but decisive goal to secure the victory. The win sets up a last-16 tie against Brazil at MetLife Stadium on July 5. The analysis highlights Haaland's unique goal-scoring pattern—often quiet for long periods before decisive strikes—and discusses whether Norway's conservative style can overcome the tournament favorites Brazil, noting that Norway has historically been successful against Brazil.
Soccer - The AthleticErling Haaland's Stumbling Goal Sends Norway Past Ivory Coast into World Cup Round of 16
Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in a World Cup group stage match on June 30, 2026, with superstar Erling Haaland scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute. Haaland unconventionally stumbled the ball over the line from close range, marking his fifth tournament goal. Antonio Nusa scored Norway's first World Cup knockout-stage goal in 88 years. Ivory Coast equalized through Amad in the 74th minute, but Haaland's late goal secured Norway's place in the round of 16 against Brazil on August 5. The match was played at a not-sold-out stadium in Dallas with 69,665 spectators.
BILD - SportHaaland scores last-minute winner, becomes fastest player to reach 60 international goals
In the World Cup Round of 16 match, Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to advance, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive winning goal. According to WhoScored statistics, Haaland has now played 53 matches for Norway and scored 60 goals, making him the fastest player in history to reach 60 international goals. The match took place on June 30, with the news reported by Hupu Soccer. The article highlights Haaland's exceptional efficiency and goal-scoring ability, with one user comment calling him an 'efficient goal machine'.
虎扑 - 足球Haaland Ties Norway's Single-World Cup Goal Record with 5 Goals in 2026
In a World Cup Round of 16 match on June 30, Norway leads Ivory Coast 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring his second goal of the game and his fifth of the 2026 World Cup tournament. According to statistics from Hupu, this matches Norway's all-time record for most goals scored by the entire team in a single World Cup, previously set in 1998 when the whole Norwegian squad managed 5 goals in France. Haaland achieved this milestone in just three matches, highlighting his dominant performance. The article is sourced from a post on X (formerly Twitter) and is covered by Hupu community's international football news section.
虎扑 - 足球Haaland Scores in 13th Consecutive International Match for Norway, Totaling 25 Goals
In a World Cup knockout stage match on July 1, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored a tap-in goal in the 86th minute, leading Norway to a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. This goal marked Haaland's 25th goal in his last 13 official international matches for Norway, continuing his remarkable scoring streak of finding the net in every one of those appearances.
虎扑 - 足球Haaland Scores 5 Goals in 3 World Cup Matches, Reaches 60 Goals in 53 National Team Appearances
In the World Cup Round of 16 match on June 30, Norwegian star Erling Haaland scored a goal in the 86th minute to give Norway a temporary 2-1 lead over Ivory Coast. According to statistics, Haaland has now scored 60 goals in 53 appearances for the Norwegian national team. In this World Cup alone, he has netted 5 goals in just 3 matches, highlighting his exceptional form. The article, sourced from Hupu, a Chinese sports media platform, emphasizes Haaland's prolific scoring record and his impact in the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Erling Haaland Says France Will Likely Beat Norway and Win the World Cup
Erling Haaland made headlines with a disarming statement after Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup round of 16 for the first time in 28 years. Following a 3-2 victory over Senegal, where Haaland scored a brace, he told Fox Sports he didn't care about the upcoming group match against France, predicting they would 'probably beat us and win the whole tournament.' Haaland joined Kylian Mbappé in second place for the Golden Boot with four goals, one behind Lionel Messi. He downplayed personal accolades and title dreams, emphasizing pride in his team's achievement. Norway coach Stale Solbakken announced significant lineup rotations for the France match due to player fatigue and cramps.
Home Football - actualitésHaaland doubles up again as Norway defeat Senegal and seal spot in World Cup last 32
Erling Haaland scored twice for the second consecutive World Cup match, leading Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal on June 23, 2026. The win moved Norway level with France on six points at the top of Group I, securing their place in the World Cup last 32. Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute when Kalidou Koulibaly's misjudged clearance allowed substitute Marcus Pedersen to score. Haaland doubled the lead three minutes after halftime, converting Martin Odegaard's through ball. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal in the 53rd minute, but Haaland volleyed in his second goal five minutes later off a crossbar. Sarr scored again deep into added time, but Norway held on. The result sets up a decisive group decider against France on Friday.
Football | The GuardianNorway beat Senegal to reach knockout stage. Is Erling Haaland the scariest thing in football?
Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 at MetLife Stadium to secure their second consecutive win in the 2026 World Cup, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in 28 years. Erling Haaland scored twice, keeping pressure on Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, with Haaland now on four goals, one behind Messi. Marcus Pedersen also scored for Norway, while Ismaila Sarr netted twice for Senegal, including a late goal that set up a tense finish. Norway's final group match is against tournament favorite France, with both teams already qualified. The article also highlights Haaland's relentless competitiveness and the passionate support of Norway's traveling fans, known for their 'Viking rowing' celebrations in New York City.
Soccer - The Athletic2026 World Cup: Erling Haaland and Norway Set Up Potential Showdown with France for Group I Lead
Norway, led by star striker Erling Haaland, has emerged as a strong contender in Group I of the 2026 World Cup, challenging pre-tournament favorites France and Senegal. After both Norway and France won their opening matches (Norway defeated Iraq 4-1, with Haaland scoring twice; France beat their opponent), a decisive match for first place could occur on the third matchday if both teams win their next fixtures. Norway's perfect qualifying campaign (eight wins in eight matches), recent draws against Morocco and victory over Sweden, and Haaland's partnership with Alexander Sørloth have cemented their status as a serious threat. Haaland stated he aims to maintain his high energy and focus. The article stresses that France and Senegal must not underestimate the Norwegian side.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertHaaland, Sorloth, and Thorstvedt: The Heirs of 1994 Leading Norway
In a historic moment during the 2026 World Cup match between Iraq and Norway, Kristian Thorstvedt entered the field in the 73rd minute, joining Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth. This marked the first time three sons of players from a previous World Cup squad lined up together in another World Cup. Their fathers—Alfie Haaland, Goran Sorloth, and Erik Thorstvedt—were part of the Norwegian team that played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Norway qualified for that tournament for the first time since 1938 but was eliminated in the group stage on goals scored. The current generation, led by Haaland's two first-half goals, Thorstvedt's prominent role, and Sorloth's proven scoring ability, is carrying forward the legacy and making Norway dream with goals.
FútbolHaaland's World Cup Goals Trigger Minor Earthquake in Norway
In his 2026 World Cup debut, Erling Haaland scored two goals (29th and 43rd minutes) to help Norway defeat Iraq 4-1. The Norwegian Seismic Research Institute reported that fan celebrations in Bergen, over 5,000 kilometers away, caused ground vibrations detected by seismographs. The strongest peaks coincided with Haaland's goals. The institute explained that collective movements of excited fans can generate measurable vibrations, similar to those recorded at an Ed Sheeran concert in 2024. Norway, in Group I with France, next faces Senegal.
虎扑 - 足球Erling Haaland's World Cup Goals Trigger Minor Earthquakes in Norway
Norway began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored his first two World Cup goals (29th, 43rd minute). Over 5,000 kilometers away in Bergen, Norway, the Norsar seismology institute recorded ground vibrations coinciding with Haaland's goals, caused by collective cheering and movement of Norwegian fans watching the match. The institute noted similar seismic signals were recorded during Ed Sheeran concerts in 2024. Norway, in Group I with France, next faces Senegal before playing France on June 26.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuErling Haaland Becomes Third World Cup Star to Break Folarin Balogun's USMNT Record in Four Days
Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Boston. The Manchester City striker's brace made him the fourth player in four days to achieve the feat, following Folarin Balogun (USA), Yasin Ayari (Sweden), and Elijah Just (New Zealand). Haaland scored in the 29th minute and just before halftime, marking Norway's first World Cup appearance since 1998. When asked if he is the world's best goalscorer, Haaland modestly noted that Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé scored more club goals last season. His coach, Stale Solbakken, praised his composure, saying the occasion 'wasn't too big for him.'
Yardbarker: SoccerHaaland Leads Norway to First World Cup Win in 28 Years, Draws Praise from Ibrahimovic
Erling Haaland scored a brace to lead Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match in 28 years. The Manchester City striker, who scored 16 goals in eight qualifiers, acknowledged the pressure from national coach Stale Solbakken but delivered a strong performance. Despite Haaland's heroics, the match revealed defensive weaknesses for the Scandinavian dark horses. Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic praised Haaland on Fox, saying he is moving up his 'Jungle Kings' list. However, Haaland's grandmother Inger Åse Høyland Braut told Dagbladet it was 'not a good game.' Haaland deflected comparisons to the world's best striker, noting Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé scored more this season. Norway's next match is against France on June 26.
Nachrichten - WELTHaaland Leads Norway to First World Cup Win in 28 Years, Draws Praise from Ibrahimovic
Erling Haaland scored a brace to lead Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their first World Cup match in 28 years. The Manchester City striker, who scored 16 goals in eight qualifiers, acknowledged the pressure from national coach Stale Solbakken but delivered a strong performance. Despite defensive weaknesses, Norway secured the win. Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic praised Haaland on Fox, saying he must move him 'higher up on the list of Kings of the Jungle.' Haaland's grandmother, however, told Dagbladet it was 'not a good game.' Norway faces Senegal and France next in Group play. Coach Solbakken rewarded the team with two days off.
Nachrichten - WELT