Norway vs Senegal World Cup 2026: Haaland, Odegaard, Mane to Play

Erling Haaland will look to build on his impressive start to the World Cup as Norway face Senegal today. The Norwegians got off to a flying start in Group I as they thrashed Iraq 4-1 in their opener, with Haaland scoring twice.

Group I Standings and Stakes

Senegal, meanwhile, dominated for large periods against France, but their profligacy was ultimately punished as Kylian Mbappe netted a brace in a 3-1 win for Les Bleus. France are fully expected to beat Iraq in their Philadelphia encounter, and as such, it is thought that Norway and Senegal will do battle for second place in Group I.

Norway Team News and Predicted Lineup

Norway boss Stale Solbakken will be hanging most of his hopes on Haaland, who will be fed by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in a 4-4-2 system. Elsewhere for the Scandinavians, they will have former Aston Villa shot-stopper Orjan Nyland in goal, with Julian Ryerson and David Moller Wolfe at full-back. Leo Ostigard scored off the bench in the opener, but it is likely that he will be overlooked once more for Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjorn Heggem in the heart of defence.

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Odegaard is given a free role from the right side of the midfield quartet, drifting and sitting in centre-field, while Antonio Nusa gets high and wide off the left. In the middle, workhorses Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes will be asked to cover a lot of ground. Up top, Haaland will be partnered by Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.

Senegal Team News and Predicted Lineup

For the Senegalese, former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will be between the posts, with Krepin Diatta and West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf as the full-backs. Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhate are in the middle, with the two Gueyes in the engine room - Pape and Idrissa Gana - although don’t be surprised to see Habib Diarra of Sunderland come in for Lamine Camara as the No10 in Pape Thiaw’s 4-2-3-1 system.

Out wide, Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane are practically nailed-on starters, with Nicolas Jackson - whose Chelsea future remains uncertain - leading the line.