Erling Haaland scored twice to lead Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a Group I match at the New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22, 2026, securing Norway's place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
First Half: Pedersen Opens the Scoring
Norway dominated the early stages, earning four corners within the first four minutes. Kristoffer Ajer's header was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Martin Odegaard also tested Mendy with a shot. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Marcus Pedersen, who had replaced the injured Julian Ryerson, capitalized on a loose clearance from Kalidou Koulibaly and fired past Mendy to give Norway a 1-0 lead. Haaland nearly doubled the advantage before halftime but hit the post after rounding the goalkeeper.
Second Half: Haaland Strikes Twice
Haaland made no mistake three minutes into the second half, finishing a swift counter-attack set up by Odegaard to make it 2-0. Senegal responded in the 53rd minute when Sadio Mane set up Ismaila Sarr, who beat goalkeeper Orjan Nyland after shrugging off his marker. Norway restored their two-goal cushion five minutes later as Haaland volleyed home Patrick Berg's low cross off the underside of the crossbar for his second goal of the match.
Senegal's Late Fightback Falls Short
Senegal suffered a setback when Mendy was forced off with an injury, but Pathe Ciss made a vital goal-line clearance to deny Oscar Bobb. Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Sarr's second goal, and Sarr had a chance to equalize but headed over the bar in the final moments. Norway held on for a 3-2 win to advance to the knockout stage.
According to ANI, the match was a hard-fought encounter, with Haaland's brace proving decisive. Norway's victory confirmed their place in the Round of 32, while Senegal's hopes of advancing were left in doubt.
