• Erling Haaland scores twice in his World Cup debut, leading Norway to a 4-1 win against Iraq.
• The victory marks Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
• Iraq managed to equalize momentarily with Aymen Hussein's header before Norway regained control.
• Norway is now positioned to face Senegal and leads Group I on goal difference.

Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland scored two goals in his World Cup debut, guiding his team to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in their Group I opener held in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This performance marked Norway's significant return to the World Cup after 28 years, as Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a close-range finish from a low cross by David Moller Wolfe, showcasing his striking prowess early in the match, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Haaland expressed his emotions post-match, stating, "It was not easy to be a debutant, you're nervous, and to win on a not-so-good day is great." He emphasized the importance of preparation for future matches, indicating that they would need to "play even better," following this strong start, according to Al Jazeera.

Iraq, competing in their first World Cup in 40 years, managed a brief equalizer when Aymen Hussein headed in a cross from Amir Al Ammari in the 39th minute. However, Norway quickly regained their lead when Haaland capitalized on a back pass error from Iraq's goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, scoring his second goal of the match, putting his international tally at 57 goals in 51 appearances, as noted by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The match saw additional goals from Norway as Leo Ostigard headed in a third goal in the 76th minute. The scoring concluded with an own goal by Hussein deep into stoppage time, sealing Norway's win and positioning them at the top of Group I along with France, according to Al Jazeera.

Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, acknowledged the challenges faced, remarking on the importance of lessons learned from this match as they prepare for their next game against 2018 World Cup champions France, while Norway is set to face Senegal, who lost to France earlier in the day, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.