Returning to the grandest stage after decades in the wilderness—40 years for Iraq, 28 for Norway—both nations brought an unbridled energy to Boston Stadium. While the 4-1 scoreline suggests a routine Norwegian cruise, the reality on the pitch was far more combative. Iraq matched the Europeans' physical intensity and technical quality for long stretches, responding to Erling Haaland's 29th-minute opener with a thumping Aymen Hussein header that sent the Iraqi contingent into raptures. For a brief moment, the Lions of Mesopotamia looked entirely capable of pulling off a historic upset.

However, elite international football is defined by fine margins, and Iraq's dreams were undone by self-inflicted wounds. The ultimate turning point came just before the interval; after battling back to 1-1, a catastrophic defensive mix-up saw Zaid Tahseen undercook a backpass to goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, allowing a predatory Haaland to poke home his second. In the second half, despite Iraq’s brave pressing, Norway utilized their superior height and depth. Substitute Leo Østigård killed off any hopes of a comeback in the 76th minute, heading home unmarked from a Martin Ødegaard corner just minutes after stepping onto the pitch.

Norway's debutant superstar Erling Haaland lived up to the immense hype, showcasing the ruthlessly clinical instincts that make him the world's most feared marksman. Conversely, the night belonged to the tragicomic fortunes of Iraq's Aymen Hussein. Hussein was momentarily a national hero after scoring Iraq's first World Cup goal this century, only to turn villain in stoppage time when a Patrick Berg cross deflected off his chest for a cruel own goal. For Iraq, Tahseen's momentary lapse of concentration will haunt him, while Norway's midfield engine, steered by Ødegaard, proved to have too much savvy.

The resounding victory catapults Norway to the top of Group I on goal difference ahead of powerhouse France, fueling talk that Ståle Solbakken's men could be the tournament's dark horses. For Iraq, the hill is now incredibly steep with fixtures against Senegal and France looming. Yet, Jesus Casas's side can hold their heads high; if they can iron out the defensive fragility that plagued them in Boston, their fluid attacking play suggests they remain a dangerous trap for anyone in the group.