Aymen Hussein scored the equalising goal off a head for Iraq against Norway in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Boston. | Photo Credit: AP

Iraq scored in its FIFA World Cup 2026 opener through Aymen Hussein as the 30-year-old equalised against Norway in their group-stage match in Boston on Tuesday.

Hussein guided a cross from the left into the net, making it 1-1 and prompting joy among thousands of Iraqi fans inside the stadium. It was also Iraq’s second-ever goal in the World Cup — a tournament in which it has returned to after 40 years.

Hussein has been one of Iraq’s most dependable striker over the years and has stepped up in some of the most crunch situations in international football.

He scored twice in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 group-stage match as Iraq stunned Japan, while he struck the winner against Bolivia in the FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff to secure a spot for the Lions of Mesopotamia in the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Published on Jun 17, 2026