Norway and France opened their World Cup campaigns with decisive victories, as superstars Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé both scored twice to lead their respective nations. Haaland secured a 4-1 win for Norway against Iraq in Boston, while Mbappé’s two goals propelled France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal, setting a new national scoring record for the Real Madrid forward.
How Erling Haaland and Norway Dominated Iraq
Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq in Boston marked the nation’s first World Cup goal since 1998, according to match reports. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute and added a second shortly before halftime after capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Iraqi goalkeeper Hasan. Leo Östigaard extended the lead in the second half, while an own goal by Ayman Husajn finalized the scoreline.
Despite the lopsided result, Iraq maintained pressure throughout the match. Ayman Husajn provided Iraq’s lone goal with a header in the 39th minute. According to official match data, Iraq’s Merchas Doski, who plays for Viktoria Plzeň, played the full 90 minutes. This loss marks Iraq’s fourth consecutive defeat at a World Cup tournament.
Erling Haaland’s two goals against Iraq brought his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances for Norway.
Why Kylian Mbappé’s Performance Matters for France
Kylian Mbappé established himself as France’s all-time leading goalscorer during the 3-1 win against Senegal, reaching 58 career goals for his country. By surpassing Olivier Giroud’s previous record, Mbappé solidified his position as the focal point of the French attack. The Real Madrid star now has 14 career goals in World Cup play, tying him with Gerd Müller for third on the all-time list, according to tournament statistics.
The match was tightly contested until the second half. Following a scoreless first period where Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson hit the post, Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute. Bradley Barcola added a second goal shortly after entering the game, and Mbappé capped his performance with a long-range strike in the 96th minute. Addressing his record, Mbappé stated in a post-match interview that his primary focus remains winning the tournament rather than responding to critics.
How Modern Stars Compare to Historical Records
The current tournament highlights a shift in how elite forwards impact their teams on the global stage. While Mbappé draws comparisons to legends like Gerd Müller, he still trails Brazil’s Ronaldo (15 goals) and Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16 goals) on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
| Player | World Cup Goals |
|---|---|
| Miroslav Klose | 16 |
| Ronaldo | 15 |
| Kylian Mbappé / Gerd Müller | 14 |
FAQ: World Cup Opening Matches
How many goals does Kylian Mbappé have for France?
Mbappé has scored 58 goals for the French national team, making him the country’s record holder.
How long had it been since Norway scored in a World Cup?
Norway had not scored a goal in the World Cup since their last appearance in 1998.
Who currently holds the record for most World Cup goals?
Miroslav Klose of Germany holds the record with 16 goals scored across his tournament appearances.
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