Haaland debuts at the World Cup with two goals and the fans turn it into a spectacle

Norway sent a clear message right at the start of the 2026 World Cup: it is a contender to go far. With two goals from Erling Haaland, the Scandinavians beat Iraq 4-1 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, in a game that had it all – comebacks, an own goal and stands that looked like a Nordic film set.

Haaland makes history after a 28-year wait

The Manchester City striker found the net twice and wrote himself into the books: they were his first goals at World Cups. The first, early in the match, also ended an embarrassing drought. Norway had not scored in the competition for 28 years – since the 1998 campaign in France, when it reached the round of 16 and was eliminated precisely by Brazil.

Iraq did manage to respond. Aymen Hussein equalized after a fine move by Ali Jasim, but Haaland reappeared before halftime, taking advantage of an error in the opponent’s build-up. In the second half, defender Östigaard extended the lead from a corner kick. In stoppage time, the same Hussein who had pulled one back scored against his own team, sealing the score at 4-1.

The “Viking row” took over the stands

On the pitch, Norway was superior. Off it, the fans put the cherry on top. The celebration known as the “Viking row” – inspired by Nordic warriors, with arms mimicking the synchronized movement of oars – swept through the stands of the Boston stadium in waves throughout the match and erupted with every Norwegian goal.

The choreography is nothing new for those who follow Scandinavian football, but it took on a different dimension in the American context. Even before the opening whistle, it was already appearing in the subway stations and on the escalators around the stadium. On social media, the videos from the stands quickly went viral. It is early to say, but the “row” has everything to become one of the symbolic images of this World Cup.

What lies ahead for the Norwegians

With three points, Norway shares the lead of Group I with France. The next challenge is Senegal, on Monday (the 22nd), at 9 p.m. (Brasília time), in New Jersey. A win could practically secure a place in the round of 16 – a scenario the national team had not experienced since that 1998 campaign. Norway arrived at the World Cup without being a favorite, but left its debut with the attitude of a team that did not come just to take part.