Photo: FIFA World Cup

By Shawn De Guzman

Erling Haaland made sure to turn heads in his 2026 FIFA World Cup debut, firing a brace to set the tone in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq at the Boston Stadium on Wednesday (PH time).

Haaland’s activity spelled the difference, capitalizing on the tons of opportunities for Norway behind its relentless pressure against Iraqi defenders.

The 25-year-old World Cup debutant immediately introduced himself under the bright lights when he found the back of the net off a well-placed cross from David Moller Wolfe.

Haaland slid in at the far post to open the scoring at the 29th minute mark.

Iraq did find an answer when Aymen Hussein planted a sharp header off an Amir Al Ammari delivery 10 minutes after but Haaland retaliated almost immediately, taking the ball away from Iraq goalie Jalal Hassan to score his second goal at the 43rd minute.

It was all Norway from there as Leo Ostigard nailed the third goal off a Martin Odegaard assist at the 76th minute.

Haaland had several chances to complete the first hat-trick of the World Cup, the last an attempt from the right to knock it back across the goal, allowing Kristian Thorstvedt to easily bundle the ball in.