Iraq vs. Norway, Mbappe Brace, Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

If someone were to write a script for Iraq versus Norway, it would be almost exactly like this. 

Norway opened the scoring in the 29th minute through none other than Erling Haaland. You really could have bet your house on him getting on the scoresheet. 

The Manchester City striker slid in with customary desire to get a touch on David Møller Wolfe's cross and convert the ball into the net, opening his account in his first World Cup.

However, plucky Iraq, which has shown moments of real quality during the opening 45 minutes, grabbed a well-worked equalizer 10 minutes later. 

Who else would get it other than Aymen Hussein, the Iraq forward who was reportedly held at the U.S. border for seven hours on arrival into Chicago O'Hare Airport?  

Ali Jasim created some magic on the left wing, and he played a sumptuous pass to Amir Al-Ammari. He then stood up an excellent cross to Hussein, who planted his header into the turf and past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

But you can't silence Haaland for long, and it took just four minutes for him and Norway to reclaim the lead. A lack of concentration from Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who dallied with a weak backpass, gave the 25-year-old an opportunity to pounce. The keeper's attempted clearance cannoned off Haaland, who won't score a much easier goal in his career. 

Norway might have anticipated a bit of a stroll, led by their big striker, but Iraq have been dangerous, and they'll have to maintain focus in the second half to keep their lead.

Erling pounces on error to reclaim lead.

He got 🆙 for that header!

He is inevitable.

Man City striker finally makes World Cup debut.

Haaland's first World Cup game is here.

Dream start to World Cup for France star.

A sensational second-half performance from the two-time World champions turned an intense, tight battle into a convincing win. As well as Senegal played in the first half, they were no match for France after the break. Deschamps' side looked far more inspired going forward and more commanding in winning 50-50 balls across the field. The urgency they played with started as soon as the second half began.

Desire Doué found space to hit a powerful shot that just missed the target in the 46th minute. France started creating chances consistently shortly after. Sadio Mane carelessly lost possession in the midfield as Jules Kounde took the ball off him to set up Michael Olise for a tremendous goal-scoring opportunity. The Bayern Munich superstar tried to dink the ball over Edouard Mendy, but the goalkeeper used his massive frame to smother the shot. 

Another point-blank chance was instantly created as Olise played a beautiful ball to Mbappe that was sharply saved by Mendy with his left foot. That moment seemed to ignite a fire into France's new all-time leading goal scorer. Mbappe would beat Diouf down the right byline to go on one of his vintage blistering runs into the box, forcing Mane into a last-ditch slide tackle where he did just enough to avoid being penalized.

France's second-half dominance would finally pay off in the 65th minute. An exceptional pass by Olise from the left found Mbappe, who made a clever run to get goal side to guide the ball past Mendy. It was a goal fans have been waiting to see from two electrifying attackers combining for a highlight-reel moment.

France's sensational array of attackers would strike again 16 minutes later, coming from one of their substitutes. Bradley Barcola made his mark two minutes after coming on for Dembele. A well-calculated, patient pass from Adrien Rabiot helped find the dynamic Barcola, who made an outstanding run to spring free of Senegal's defense. It was another beautiful team goal from a French team that makes these moments of brilliance look so casual.

Senegal showed resilience in the final minutes with a spectacular individual effort from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, who blazed past Theo Hernandez for a stunning goal. His moment of glory was quickly surpassed by Mbappe's historic goal to move past Olivier Giroud to become France's all-time leading goal scorer. The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner picked up the ball from 30 yards and smashed in an extraordinary goal from distance. In a tournament filled with superstars, Mbappe is the first to shine on the biggest stage. After an insipid first half, France delivered a memorable second-half performance that will inspire confidence that the high-powered attack can live up to high expectations.

That's how you settle the nerves. What a hit.

Senegal pulls one back late to make French lil nervous.

Little chip over the goalie to ice the game for favorites.

Loves a little tune.

Les Bleus turning it on in the second half and finally take the lead.

Mbappé goes down but doesn't get the penalty call.

Olise with good chance but Mendy says no.

Two GREAT chances for the Lions of Teranga 🦁

Just before the break, we nearly had the breakthrough for 1-0...but blasted over.

One of the most highly anticipated group stage matches goes into the break as a stalemate. Despite a combined six shots in the first half, it's been an intense battle, with Senegal being the better side. They have been impressive with their physicality, organization, and urgency to win duels. For all their excellent work, a huge miss from six yards out by Ismalia Sarr right before the half will leave them dissatisfied. They could have been up 2-0.

Nicolas Jackson produced the first near goal on a tremendous counterattack after Kylian Mbappe lost possession. Left back Malick Diouf won back possession to play a pinpoint through ball to the enigmatic striker down the left. Jackson beat Dayot Upamecano with a quick step over to drill a low shot into the near post. It caught Mike Maignan off guard, which is rare to see from one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

France struggled to orchestrate cohesive attacks, frequently mishitting passes. Even with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele dropping deeper to receive the ball and start attacks, they failed to muster anything significant against a solidified Senegal side. There continues to be growing frustration with how one of the world's most star-studded squads, with extraordinary attacking firepower, struggles to impose itself. What personnel changes Didier Deschamps makes will be something to monitor after a hugely underwhelming first half.

Former Giants QB with a PSG fan (his son)

Massive day of World Cup action starts NOW.

Argentina-Algeria isn't until later but the atmosphere is ready

Get your snacks, get your spot on the sofa, do some stretches. It is time to lock in.

BIG one coming up in just over an hour 🍿

Today's games are going to be absolutely LIT!!!