The Manchester City forward scored in the 29th and 43rd minutes, contributing to the partial advantage of the Norwegian team. With these scores he reached 57 goals in 51 games with the senior team and expanded his status as Norway’s all-time top scorer.
The first goal came after an assist from David Møller Wolfe and a left-footed finish inside the area. The second was a consequence of an error in Iraq’s ball release that Haaland took advantage of with a right-footed shot.
Iraq scored through Aymen Hussein in the 39th minute, although the leading role in the first half went to the Norwegian attacker.
The goals represent Haaland’s 56th and 57th goals with the national team. The forward made his debut for Norway on September 5, 2019 and has maintained constant progression since then.
His international production includes 21 goals in World Cup qualifiers, 19 in the UEFA Nations League, six in European qualifiers and nine in friendly matches.
Norway’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was closely linked to Haaland’s performance. During the qualifiers he scored 16 goals in eight games and was one of the main figures of the team led by Ståle Solbakken.
Against Iraq he once again demonstrated the qualities that have made him one of the most outstanding forwards in world football: physical power, speed, ability to unmark and efficiency in front of goal.
Accompanied by Alexander Sørloth and with Martin Ødegaard as the main playmaker, Haaland led the attack of a Norwegian team that returned to a World Cup after a 28-year absence.
The double in Boston marks a dream debut for the 25-year-old forward, who is playing in the top national team competition for the first time and confirms his role as Norway’s main offensive reference in the tournament.