Norway dominated Group I's opening fixture at Gillette Stadium, overwhelming Iraq with a commanding 4-1 victory. Erling Haaland proved the difference-maker, scoring twice in the first half to establish control before Ludvig Ostigard added a third in the second period. Iraq managed a response through A. Hussein's penalty, but an own goal sealed their fate. The statistics reflected Norway's superiority: they controlled 61 percent possession and created clearer chances, managing five shots on target to Iraq's one. Haaland's performance earned him player of the match honors with a rating of 8.2. The result immediately reshuffled Group I's dynamics. Norway's six points position them in the driver's seat with qualification already secured mathematically. Iraq's elimination from top-two contention was confirmed, leaving them with salvaging pride in their remaining matches.