FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE updates: Norway take 2-1 lead against Iraq after France defeat Senegal 3-1; Argentina v Algeria, Austria v Jordan to come

France’s route to World Cup glory may once again depend less on keeping goals out than scoring more than everyone else, with Kylian Mbappe’s double in a 3-1 win over Senegal highlighting the attacking depth that could compensate for lingering defensive frailties.

Much of the spotlight before kick-off had fallen on Mbappe after a difficult club season and criticism following France’s unconvincing warm-up matches, but the captain responded in emphatic fashion with two goals to launch his World Cup campaign.

Bradley Barcola added a third from the bench, underlining the extraordinary attacking depth at coach Didier Deschamps’ disposal and reinforcing the idea that France’s greatest strength remains at the top end of the pitch.

That should surprise no one. France shared the distinction of being highest scorers at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina on 16 goals and were second only to Belgium in Russia four years earlier with 14. Across the last two World Cups, they have consistently shown an ability to overwhelm opponents with pace, movement and individual brilliance.

And Al-Hamadi almost ices with a first-time goal for the ages. Iraq are busy in Norway’s goal third and the ball is played back to outside the area. Al-Hamadi turns away from two defenders and, as he does, swings his left boot through the ball. It flies 20 or so metres and into the top corner! Except it’s a trick of the eye, and actually it’s on the outside of the net. It’s the second big chance for Iraq in quick succession and the better of the two. I know I’ve said it already, but that would have been some goal.

Iraq 1-2 Norway

It’s off an avoidable and frankly horrible defensive error from Iraq as a backpass doesn’t make it all the way to Hasan. The keeper doesn’t make his move in time and Haaland taps home. That was awful.

Iraq 1-2 Norway, 43 minutes

Hussein equalises. Wow. Iraq haven’t had possession for a while but they have it now. Jasim is dribbling this way and that on the left, in line with the top of the box. Ryerson is on his case but Jasim has the better of the battle and gets the ball away to Al-Ammari closer to the byline. He makes the cross across goal, first time and high enough for Hussein to head home past Nyland.

Iraq 1-1 Norway, 39 minutes

The move starts from way back with the goalkeeper and a switch from right to left before a lay-off to Wolfe. His wicked low cross is going nowhere but to Haaland at the back post for a sliding finish. That’s Haaland’s 56th international goal from 51 appearances.

Iraq 0-1 Norway, 29 minutes

In the words of Jim Jefferies quoting Eddie Murphy: “I’m all dehydrated. I need a Gatorade, or a Powerade, or something with aid. I need electrolytes – my mouth is dry.”

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They start with the route one approach – a long ball dealt with easily by Norway, before another shortly thereafter. But they also win a free kick and hold their own in the ensuing penalty-box ping-pong, and the 13th minute brings a decent chance. Al-Hamadi shoots high under pressure from Heggem. Good start. Having said that, Norway seem to be allowing Iraq some ball, holding their press and applying it effectively when needed.

Iraq 0-0 Norway, 15 minutes

If you would like to know more about the ring, read Vince Rugari’s feature a couple of posts back.

His players sing proudly, as the do joyful Iraqi contingent in the stands, who are holding flags and filming every moment with their phones.

Now Norway’s anthem plays, and both teams separate to ready themselves for kick-off.