Norway Advances to Knockout Stage After 3-2 Victory Over Senegal
Norway striker Erling Haaland has tempered expectations after his team secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal, booking their place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking to reporters after the match, Haaland urged realism despite Norway's historic achievement.
Haaland's Brace Secures Victory
Haaland scored twice in the second half, adding to Marcus Holmgren Pedersen's first-half opener, to give Norway a commanding lead. Senegal's Ismaila Sarr pulled one back in the 53rd minute and added another in stoppage time, but Norway held on for the win. The result leaves Norway on six points from two matches, second in Group I behind France on goal difference.
Haaland Downplays Title Hopes
When asked about facing France in their final group match, Haaland said, "I don't care, we are through. They (France) will probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament," as quoted by Reuters. On whether this could be his World Cup, he acknowledged the significance of qualification but ruled out title talk. "To win the World Cup, absolutely not. I think let's be a little realistic here, and let's be happy, every single Norwegian on the planet today," he added.
Historic Achievement for Haaland
Haaland became only the sixth player in FIFA World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances, joining Guillermo Stabile (Argentina, 1930), Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954), Just Fontaine (France, 1958), Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974), and Harry Kane (England, 2018). He has now scored four goals in two matches, surpassing Norway's previous World Cup scoring record held by Kjetil Rekdal (two goals in seven appearances).
Haaland's Remarkable International Form
The Manchester City striker has scored 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway and has found the net in each of his last 12 competitive matches. He has scored at least once in 18 of Norway's last 21 competitive fixtures, underlining his consistency. Haaland is making his FIFA World Cup debut this year and has emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers.
Senegal's Struggle Continues
Senegal remain without a point after two matches and must beat Iraq in their final group-stage match to keep their knockout hopes alive. The late surge from Sarr was not enough to deny Norway all three points.
