Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Erling Haaland struck twice as Norway booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Senegal in their Group I clash at New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday.
The win ensured Norway’s progression to the knockout stages with a game to spare, while Senegal remain without a point after two matches. Despite their difficult position, the African side can still qualify as one of the tournament’s best third placed teams if they defeat Iraq in their final group fixture.
Haaland once again proved decisive for Norway, taking his tally to four goals in two World Cup matches and strengthening his challenge for the Golden Boot. The striker also became the first player since Harry Kane in 2018 to score multiple goals in each of his first two World Cup appearances.
Norway struggled to create clear chances during a tightly contested first half but found the breakthrough just before the interval. In the 43rd minute, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen capitalised on a costly error from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and fired home to give his side the lead.
The Norwegians doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half when Martin Odegaard threaded a precise pass into Haaland, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. The goal extended the Manchester City striker’s remarkable run to scoring in each of his last 12 competitive appearances for Norway.
Senegal responded quickly through Ismaila Sarr, who reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute and briefly revived his side’s hopes.
However, Haaland restored Norway’s two goal cushion five minutes later, reacting quickest inside the penalty area to poke home from close range and score his second of the evening.
Sarr struck again deep into stoppage time to set up a nervy finish, but Norway held firm to secure the victory that confirmed their place in the knockout rounds.
The result also marked a historic milestone for Norway, whose four World Cup victories have now come against teams from four different confederations. Previous wins came against Mexico in 1994, Brazil in 1998 and Iraq earlier in this tournament before Tuesday’s triumph over Senegal.
With qualification secured, Norway can now look ahead to the knockout stage, with Haaland emerging as one of the tournament’s standout performers and a leading contender for both the Golden Boot and a deep World Cup run.
