Erling Haaland has once again underlined his reputation as one of world football’s most reliable goal scorers after netting twice on his FIFA World Cup debut for Norway.
The Manchester City striker scored a brace as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The result marked Norway’s long-awaited return to the tournament after nearly three decades away, and Haaland immediately delivered the impact expected of him.
The performance also extended a striking personal record that has followed Haaland throughout his career.
The Norwegian forward has now scored on his debut in every major competition he has featured in, maintaining a flawless pattern of immediate impact.
His debut scoring streak began in the UEFA Champions League, where he famously announced himself with a hat-trick for Red Bull Salzburg. He continued the trend in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, scoring three goals on his first appearance.
After joining Manchester City, he found the net twice on his Premier League debut against West Ham United. Now, he has repeated the same feat on football’s biggest stage with another two goals at the World Cup.
Against Iraq, Haaland opened the scoring with a clinical finish before adding his second after capitalising on a defensive error. His goals set the tone for a dominant Norwegian performance and ensured a comfortable opening win in the group stage.
The display further strengthens Haaland’s growing reputation as one of the most feared strikers in world football. At just 25, he already boasts an extraordinary scoring record for both club and country and played a key role in helping Norway qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
Haaland finished the European qualifiers as one of the top scorers, highlighting his importance to the national team’s resurgence on the international stage.
Football analysts have long praised his ability to adapt instantly to new competitions and environments, and his World Cup debut has only reinforced that reputation. Very few players in modern football have consistently delivered such immediate results across different leagues and tournaments.
