Erling Haaland struck twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in Group I at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a result that secured Stale Solbakken’s side a place in the Round of 32 with one group-stage match still to play.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also scored for Norway at New York/New Jersey Stadium, while Ismaila Sarr netted both of Senegal’s goals, including a late stoppage-time effort that ensured a tense finish.
The win kept Haaland firmly in the adidas Golden Boot race, with FIFA noting he has four goals in two World Cup games. He was also named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.
How Norway edged a five-goal thriller
Chances were limited in a tight first half, but Norway found a breakthrough as the interval approached. In the 43rd minute, Holmgren Pedersen capitalised on an error from Kalidou Koulibaly and lashed home to put Norway 1-0 up.
Norway then doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Three minutes into the second half, Haaland calmly slotted in after a pass from Martin Odegaard, making it 2-0 and continuing a prolific run that FIFA reported as scoring in each of his last 12 competitive appearances for Norway.
Senegal responded quickly to cut the deficit. Sarr pulled one back in the 53rd minute to make it 2-1 and bring the contest back to life.
Norway, however, restored their two-goal cushion almost immediately. Haaland struck again in the 58th minute, poking in from close range for his second of the night and Norway’s third, putting Solbakken’s side 3-1 ahead.
Senegal refused to go away and ensured a nervy conclusion. Sarr struck again in stoppage time (90+3) to make it 3-2, but Norway held on to claim the victory they needed to confirm progression to the knockouts.
What the result means in Group I
After two matches, Norway sit second in Group I with six points, having scored seven and conceded three. France lead the group on six points, while Senegal and Iraq are on zero points after two games.
FIFA also highlighted a historical note for Norway: the nation’s four FIFA World Cup victories have now come against teams from four different confederations—Mexico (Concacaf) in 1994, Brazil (CONMEBOL) in 1998, Iraq (AFC) in 2026, and now Senegal (CAF).
Reaction: Haaland and Sarr reflect after Norway 3-2 Senegal
Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice, said: “It was tough. We’re a little disappointed. But it’s not over yet, there’s still a third game to play. We’re going to go there to win it, and we’re going to work hard.”
Norway forward Erling Haaland added: “It was special again. Another amazing night and I’m super proud. I’m enjoying it a lot. I’ve enjoyed playing for Norway ever since my debut and you can see that. The World Cup is nice!”
With Norway now through to the Round of 32, the focus turns to finishing the group stage strongly, while Senegal head into their final group match needing a result to keep their tournament hopes alive.