Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to secure a place in the World Cup Round of 32 and continue their impressive tournament campaign.
Norway secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Senegal, making history by winning two matches at a major international tournament for the first time.
Fresh from their impressive 4-1 victory over Iraq, Ståle Solbakken’s side started with confidence and intensity. Norway won four corners inside the opening four minutes and nearly took an early lead when Kristoffer Ajer rose highest in the penalty area, only for Edouard Mendy to produce a remarkable goal-line save with his legs.
The Scandinavians suffered an early setback when Julian Ryerson was forced off through injury before the 15-minute mark. However, his replacement, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, quickly made his presence felt, creating a golden opportunity for Martin Odegaard, who unfortunately fired over the crossbar from a promising position.
Senegal gradually settled into the contest and began creating chances of their own. Sadio Mane linked up well with Nicolas Jackson, but the Chelsea forward could only send his effort high and wide.
Just when it seemed the teams would head into halftime level, Norway capitalised on a costly defensive mistake.
Kalidou Koulibaly gifted possession to Pedersen just outside the penalty area with an errant pass, and the substitute punished the error by firing beyond Mendy for his first international goal.
Norway go through to the knockouts! 👏#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 23, 2026
Haaland nearly doubled the lead moments later after dispossessing Mendy inside the box, but his shot struck the post from a tight angle.
The Manchester City striker did not have to wait long after the restart to get on the scoresheet. Three minutes into the second half, Odegaard led a swift counterattack before slipping a perfectly weighted pass into Haaland’s path. The prolific forward made no mistake, rifling his finish into the top corner to put Norway firmly in control.
Senegal responded admirably and pulled a goal back within five minutes. A slick passing move ended with Ismaïla Sarr meeting a clever flick from Mane before smashing his finish into the roof of the net.
Yet Norway quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Haaland turned home Patrick Berg’s inviting cross, taking his tournament tally to four goals and moving him level with Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.
🇳🇴 Norway have qualified for the Round of 32!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 23, 2026
Although Sarr grabbed a second goal for Senegal deep into stoppage time, it came too late to alter the outcome. Norway held on for a memorable victory that guarantees their progression to the knockout rounds.
Solbakken’s men will now face France in a showdown to decide the winners of Group I, while Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final match and hope other results go their way to keep their World Cup dream alive.
