Erling Haaland Leads Norway in World Cup Opener vs Iraq

Norway's 25‑year‑old striker Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City, will lead his national team in the World Cup opening match against Iraq in Boston. Haaland has scored 162 goals in 198 club appearances and enjoys an 11‑match scoring run for Norway with 21 goals, though his two most recent internationals were goalless. Norwegian coaches and pundits say his fitness and mindset are strong, noting his goal of two touches and two goals in the game. They expect the "wildcat" to awaken when the referee signals the start of the Iraq match.

The match marks Norway’s first game of the tournament and is seen as a key test of Haaland's form on the world stage.