Erling Haaland delivered another world-class performance as Norway secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, defeating Senegal 3-2 in an entertaining Group I encounter at MetLife Stadium on Monday.
The Manchester City striker scored twice in the second half to guide Norway to their second consecutive victory of the tournament, extending his sensational scoring form while setting up a decisive final-day showdown with France for top spot in the group.
With six points from two matches, Norway sits second in Group I behind France only on goal difference. The two unbeaten European sides will meet on 26 June, with Norway requiring a victory to finish first, while France needs only a draw.
Norway dominated possession from the opening whistle and created several early opportunities.
The Scandinavians nearly took the lead inside three minutes when Kristoffer Ajer met Julian Ryerson’s corner with a powerful header, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced an outstanding save.
Norway suffered an early setback when Ryerson was forced off injured after just 13 minutes, with Marcus Holmgren Pedersen replacing him.
Ironically, the substitute proved to be the game’s first hero.
After sustained Norwegian pressure, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly gifted possession away inside his own penalty area. Pedersen reacted quickest, firing a powerful right-footed finish into the narrow angle in the 43rd minute to give Norway a deserved lead.
Norway nearly doubled its advantage before half-time after another defensive mistake, this time from goalkeeper Mendy.
Haaland intercepted the loose ball but watched his effort strike the post before Mendy recovered. Moments later, the Senegal goalkeeper denied the Norwegian striker again with an excellent save from a close-range header.
However, Haaland would not be denied after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Martin Ødegaard released the striker with a perfectly weighted through ball, and Haaland calmly slotted home with his left foot to make it 2-0.
Senegal responded almost immediately. Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr capped a flowing team move in the 53rd minute, finishing clinically to reduce the deficit and briefly reignite Senegal’s hopes.
But Norway restored its two-goal cushion only five minutes later. Substitute Patrick Berg delivered an inviting cross from the left, and Haaland met it with a superb first-time finish into the roof of the net for his second goal of the evening and his fourth goal of the tournament.
Senegal continued to battle until the final whistle. Sarr grabbed his second goal deep into stoppage time after being set up by Nicolas Jackson, but it proved only a consolation as Norway held on to seal all three points.
The victory represents Norway’s second straight win after opening their campaign with a 4-1 triumph over Iraq, confirming their place in the knockout stage with one group match still to play.
Haaland’s outstanding display continued his remarkable international scoring record. The Manchester City superstar has now scored 59 goals in just 52 appearances for Norway, underlining his status as one of international football’s most prolific forwards.
His four goals in the opening two matches of the World Cup have also placed him firmly among the leading contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
The victory was witnessed by Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Ingrid Alexandra, children of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, as thousands of Norway supporters transformed sections of MetLife Stadium into a sea of red.
Norway now heads into a blockbuster final Group I clash against France with first place still on the line.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s hopes of progressing have been severely damaged after suffering consecutive defeats following their opening 3-1 loss to France. The African side must now rely on other results while seeking a consolation victory in their final group fixture.
For Norway, however, confidence continues to soar, with Haaland once again proving the difference as the Scandinavian nation marches confidently into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
Credit Photo : NFF
