Norway and their remarkable form of a 12-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Friday as the Netherlands rallied to claim a 2-1 victory in a friendly at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena.
Andreas Schjelderup gave the visitors an early lead in the 24th minute, only for Virgil van Dijk to equalise before Tijjani Reijnders sealed the comeback in the second half.
The win marked a first defeat for Norway since October 2024, ending a run of 530 days without loss.
The setback, however, carries little immediate consequence, as Norway had already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Notably, the Scandinavian side was without stars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, who were absent from the friendly.
This loss could serve as a reminder of Norway’s vulnerabilities ahead of the tournament, particularly as they prepare to face one of their World Cup group opponents, Senegal.
The two sides are drawn in Group I, along with 2018 champions France, in what has already been labelled a “Group of Death.” Norway and Senegal are scheduled to meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, USA, on 22 June 2026.
Senegal and Norway have never met in a World Cup, but the West African side holds a historical advantage, having beaten Norway 2-1 in a friendly back in 2006.
Analysts predict a closely fought encounter, as Senegal will be looking to assert themselves early in a group that also features heavyweights France.
Norway’s coach is expected to review tactical options following the Amsterdam defeat, particularly given the absence of his key attacking duo.
Schjelderup’s goal offered a glimpse of Norway’s attacking potential, but defensive lapses, highlighted by van Dijk and Reijnders’ strikes, underline the challenges they will face in the tournament.
For Senegal, this development may offer both reassurance and a tactical insight.
The Lions of Teranga, fresh from AFCON qualifying campaigns, will study Norway’s vulnerabilities, particularly their ability to respond to early setbacks.
The clash in East Rutherford is likely to be pivotal for both teams’ aspirations of advancing from a notoriously competitive group.
With just under three months to go before the World Cup, Norway’s loss is a timely wake-up call, while Senegal prepares to assert itself against a team that has proven resilient but is not invincible.
