Norway national football team won 4-1 against Iraq in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. It was a match marked by nerves, poor refereeing, and a damaged drainage system. Erling Braut Haaland and substitute Leo Skiri Ødegaard scored goals for Norway. The Norwegian players expressed frustration several times against the referee's decisions during the match. Norway comes from the opening match of the World Cup with three important points, but it was not a smooth ride. In a match marked by nerves and poor refereeing, Erling Braut Haaland and substitute Leo Skiri Ødegaard and an own goal ensured that Norway won 4-1. – It's special and big. Big to finally qualify, it's something we've worked for the past six to seven years. We are happy. This is big, says Erling Braut Haaland to Nettavisen after the match. Carl Erik Torp is clear that the Norwegian players can now lower their shoulders against the next match against Senegal. – It's so important for the team that there are several who get to take part in this here, the first match. There are players who have made fine substitutions. It makes several feel like they have gotten past the first nerves. I think it's huge, says Carl Erik Torp on NRK radio. Joacim Jonsson believes that the referee Pierre Atcho from Gabon can see a long way after refereeing several matches in the World Cup. – The referee is extremely bad. He will not referee any more matches in this tournament. It's the worst I've seen, says Joacim Jonsson on VG's broadcast.