Norway secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday night at the stadium in Foxborough, drawing significant local attention during the early stages of the World Cup. The match marked Norway’s first appearance in the men’s World Cup since 1998 and showcased the striking talent of Erling Haaland, who scored twice to lead his team to a decisive win.

Haaland, standing 6-foot-5 and recently the Premier League’s top scorer with 27 goals for Manchester City, continued his impressive form by opening the scoring in the 29th minute, connecting with a precise cross from David Møller Wolfe. After Iraq’s captain Aymen Hussein equalized with a header shortly before halftime, Haaland quickly regained Norway’s lead by capitalizing on a misplaced back pass from the Iraqi goalkeeper. Norway added two more goals in the second half to seal their victory.

The Norwegian squad’s presence in Foxborough, including their Viking-themed team photo and the spirited “Viking row” cheer—where fans mimic rowing a ship—helped build a lively atmosphere among supporters, who embraced the team with enthusiasm. This display, combined with Norway’s exciting play and Haaland’s imposing performance, has prompted many casual soccer fans in the region to take a renewed interest in the team.

The game also featured moments reflecting the local sports culture, including a hydration break accompanied by Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer,” a song synonymous with the New England sports experience. The atmosphere recalled the stadium’s history of memorable events while marking a new chapter for international soccer in the area.

Following this match, Norway is scheduled to play Senegal in New Jersey on June 22 before returning to Foxborough for a highly anticipated group stage encounter against France, led by star forward Kylian Mbappé, on June 26. Norway’s strong showing and growing fan support have made them a notable presence in this World Cup, challenging the typical home-team allegiances in the region.

The United States, after their own 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday, remains the national fan favorite, but Norway’s exciting style and charismatic squad have quickly made them a favorite among the Foxborough crowd for the duration of the tournament.