Iraq boss Graham Arnold refused to give up on reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup – despite seeing his side beaten 4-1 by Norway on their return to the tournament after 40 years.
Playing their first match at a global finals since 1986, Iraq were game but ultimately outgunned as Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a clinical brace.
Before the game, Arnold told The National that Haaland belonged in the all-time great category alongside legends such as Marco van Basten, and those words rang true as the Manchester City striker rose to the occasion.
Haaland's goals in the 29th and 43rd minutes sandwiched a reply by Aymen Hussein in the 39th. Substitute Leo Ostigard made it 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining. Haaland's header forced an own goal by Hussein in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Arnold, though, was pleased his side were able to compete with the much-fancied Scandinavians, and suggested a win against either France or Senegal in their remaining group games could see them reach the Round of 32.
“We put good pressure on Norway,” said Iraq's Aussie coach. “But a couple of mistakes against players at this level will always punish you, so we need to learn lessons from our mistakes.
“It really probably hurt the players mentally. I tried to pick them up and say it's in the past and we've got to get over it.
Best of World Cup 2026 - in pictures
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US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino alongside the 2026 World Cup champions: Spain. Reuters -
Ferran Torres scores Spain's first goal past Argentina's Emiliano Martinez in the 106th minute of extra time at the World Cup final. Reuters -
Argentina's Lionel Messi after losing out to Spain in the final. Reuters -
England's players with their medals, after winning the third-place play-off against France in Miami. AFP -
French striker Kylian Mbappe challenges English defender Ezri Konsa at the Miami Stadium. AFP -
England forward Bukayo Saka, centre, celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal. AFP -
Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates scoring the equaliser against England at Atlanta Stadium. AFP -
Anthony Gordon scores the opening goal for England against Argentina. EPA -
Spain's players celebrate after beating France to reach the World Cup final. Reuters -
Spanish forward Lamine Yamal, left, is challenged by French defender Theo Hernandez in Arlington. AFP -
France forward Kylian Mbappe shows his disappointment during the semi-final defeat to Spain. AFP -
Mikel Merino celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Belgium in Inglewood. AFP -
Messi controls the ball against Switzerland's Granit Xhaka during the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City. AFP -
Jude Bellingham celebrates after winning the quarter-final match between Norway and England in Miami. AFP -
France talisman Kylian Mbappe was on target in his team's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco. EPA -
Gessime Yassine looks dejected after the match as Morocco's World Cup comes to an end. Reuters -
Fans in Buenos Aires celebrate Argentina's victory against Egypt. Getty Images -
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Egypt in Atlanta. AFP -
Gregor Kobel of Switzerland saves Cucho Hernandez's penalty for Colombia in the shoot-out in Vancouver. AFP -
Portugal's Bernardo Silva is left in disbelief after a missed chance against Spain, in Arlington. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo is dejected after the match against Spain, as his Portugal team are eliminated from the World Cup. Reuters -
Belgium's Hans Vanaken scores their third goal past Matt Freese of the US, in Seattle. Reuters -
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scores their first goal against the US. Reuters -
Australian referee Alireza Faghani shows a red card to England defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico. AFP -
Erling Haaland scores his and Norway's second goal against Brazil. AFP
“We're in a group phase, there's nine points available. We've got to take all the positives out of today and get ourselves ready for the next game. There is still the opportunity for third spot. Three points should be enough to get you through.”
On Hussein's consolation strike, he added: “For him to get through 90 minutes with that energy that he had, of course scoring the goal was fantastic."
Haaland delivers on his World Cup debut
With Norway impressive in qualifying and boasting Haaland in their ranks, many have tipped them as dark horses this summer.
And, on a warm afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the 25-year-old delivered on his status as a global star of the game with a display that suggested he could be a contender for the Golden Boot should his side go deep into the tournament.
His manager, Stale Solbakken, said his star man had been in devastating form in training and he was always confident he'd mark his tournament debut in style.
“You can see he lived up to the occasion – it wasn't too big for him,” said Solbakken. “I had a good feeling before the game. The last training session was very good. I had a feeling he would do it for us today.”
Iraq head coach Arnold added: “He's just an amazing number nine. We dealt with him quite well for a lot of the game but, at the end of the day, he's a top striker.
“Norway could shock a lot of people with the team they have. They could go a very long way.”
Arnold, himself a former striker, spoke to Haaland after the final whistle and revealed: “I just said to him, 'You're one of the best number nines I've ever seen'. He's so strong, so quick and he's just lethal.”
What's next
Iraq will go away and lick their wounds, but it doesn't get any easier, with a match against 2018 champions France up next in Philadelphia on Monday, June 22 (June 23, 1am UAE).
France had earlier looked extremely impressive in a 3-1 win over Group I's fourth team, Senegal. Kylian Mbappe also showcased his Golden Boot credentials with a double in that victory. Norway take on the African side next (June 23, 4am UAE).
