Norway secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Erling Haaland scored twice in a 3-2 victory over Senegal, leaving the African side on the brink of elimination from the tournament.
The Group I defeat at New York/New Jersey Stadium means Senegal remain without a point after two matches and must now rely on a combination of results to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Norway, meanwhile, moved level with France on six points and guaranteed progression to the round of 32 with a game to spare.
Despite a spirited performance and two goals from Ismaila Sarr, Senegal were unable to recover after conceding three times, with defensive errors proving costly for Pape Thiaw’s side.
The result was another setback for one of Africa’s strongest representatives at the tournament, who now face a difficult route to the knockout rounds.
Senegal began the match competitively and enjoyed periods of control in midfield. While Norway applied early pressure, the Lions of Teranga remained organised and gradually settled into the contest.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy played an important role in keeping the scores level during the opening period. He produced key saves to deny Kristoffer Ajer and Martin Odegaard as Norway searched for an opening.
The Scandinavian side won several corners and looked threatening, but Senegal appeared on course to reach the interval on level terms.
However, a crucial mistake just before half-time changed the complexion of the match.
In the 43rd minute, Kalidou Koulibaly failed to deal with the danger, allowing substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen to capitalise and fire Norway ahead.
The goal was a significant blow for Senegal after an otherwise encouraging first-half display.
Norway strengthened their grip on the match shortly after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Odegaard threaded a pass through the Senegal defence and Haaland finished clinically despite losing his balance.
The striker’s goal doubled Norway’s advantage and underlined his importance to the team’s World Cup campaign.
Senegal responded positively. In the 53rd minute, Sarr battled past defenders before finishing from close range to reduce the deficit and revive hopes of a comeback.
For a brief spell, momentum swung in Senegal’s favour.
Those hopes were quickly checked, however, as Norway restored their two-goal cushion only five minutes later. Patrick Berg won possession and supplied Haaland, who adjusted expertly to a difficult cross before guiding the ball home from close range.
The strike was Haaland’s fourth goal in two World Cup matches. It also took his international tally to 59 goals in 52 appearances and extended his scoring streak in competitive matches for Norway to 12 games.
Senegal’s problems deepened when Mendy was forced off through injury after Norway’s third goal. Mory Diaw came on in his place, adding to the challenges facing Thiaw’s side.
Yet Senegal refused to give up.
Sarr continued to lead the charge and gave his side renewed hope deep into stoppage time. In the third minute of added time, he scored his second goal of the evening to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish.
The Lions of Teranga pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Norway held firm to secure all three points.
The victory confirms Norway’s place in the round of 32 and keeps Haaland among the leading contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Norway will now meet France in Boston on Friday, with both sides sitting on six points. France currently top the group on goal difference and require only a draw to finish first.
For Senegal, the situation is far more complicated. Having lost to France in their opening match and now fallen to Norway, they face Iraq in Toronto knowing that victory alone may not guarantee progression.
The Lions of Teranga must win their final group game and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to avoid a disappointing exit at the group stage.
