Iraq’s Aymen Hussein makes unwanted FIFA World Cup history against Norway

Iraq forward Aymen Hussein entered the FIFA World Cup record books after becoming only the third player to score a goal and an own goal in the same World Cup match.

The feat came during Iraq’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway in Boston on Wednesday.

Aymen gave Iraq a boost in the 39th minute when he rose highest to head home and bring his side level in the contest.

However, the striker’s evening ended in disappointment after he accidentally turned the ball into his own net during the closing stages of the match.

The own goal proved a painful moment for Iraq and placed Aymen in a small and unwanted group in World Cup history.

The first player to achieve the rare double was Dutch defender Ernie Brandts during the 1978 World Cup match between the Netherlands and Italy.

Brandts recovered from his own goal to also score for his side in the same game.

The second player was Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored both a goal and an own goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup final against France.

Aymen is now the third player to join that exclusive list, adding his name to a unique chapter of World Cup history.