**GILLETTE STADIUM, FOXBOROUGH — GROUP I | IRAQ 1–3 NORWAY**

A sun-drenched afternoon in Massachusetts delivered exactly what the pre-match billing suggested: a Norway side bristling with world-class talent dismantling a spirited but outgunned Iraq team in front of a sold-out Gillette Stadium.

**First Half — Norway Strike Early, Iraq Hit Back** Norway wasted no time imposing themselves. On 14 minutes, Martin Ødegaard received the ball in the right half-space, took one touch to set his body, and threaded a laser-guided pass through the gap between Hussein Ali and Akam Hashim. Erling Haaland — already at full sprint — collected it, opened his body, and slotted low past Fahad Talib at the near post. 1–0, and the tone was set.

Iraq refused to buckle. Zidane Iqbal, the Manchester City academy product now at Utrecht, was the Lions of Mesopotamia's creative heartbeat, probing and pressing with energy beyond his years. His 34th-minute corner, whipped in with pace, found Ali Al-Hamadi rising highest at the back post — a thunderous header that gave Nyland no chance. 1–1, and Gillette erupted in surprise. Akam Hashim had picked up a yellow card moments earlier for a cynical foul on Haaland, a sign of the defensive strain Iraq were under.

**Second Half — Haaland's Penalty, Sørloth Seals It** Iraq emerged from the break with renewed intent, but Norway quickly reasserted control. On 52 minutes, Zaid Tahseen was booked for a mistimed challenge, and seven minutes later the decisive moment arrived: Sørloth's intelligent run drew a clumsy lunge from Akam Hashim inside the area, and referee pointed to the spot. Haaland — ice-cold, as always — sent Talib the wrong way. 2–1.

Norway's press grew relentless. Sander Berge picked up a yellow for a cynical midfield foul on 63 minutes, but Norway barely missed a beat. Ibrahim Bayesh was cautioned on 74 minutes as Iraq's discipline frayed under the sustained pressure. Four minutes later, Ødegaard delivered his second assist of the afternoon — a sumptuous through ball that split the defence and found Sørloth in behind; the Atlético Madrid striker took a touch and rolled it into the far corner. 3–1, game over.

The final whistle was preceded by Manaf Younis receiving a straight red for a reckless lunge in the 88th minute — a sorry end to a difficult afternoon for Iraq. Norway march on with three points, with Haaland and Ødegaard already looking like the most dangerous partnership at this World Cup.