Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on Monday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, securing their place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1998. The victory gives Norway six points from two Group I matches, level with France on goal difference but ahead on goals scored (7-6). Senegal, meanwhile, are left pointless and on the brink of elimination, needing a big win against Iraq in their final group game to have any chance of advancing as one of the top eight third-place teams.
First Half: Norway Take Control
Norway dominated possession early but struggled to create clear chances until the 13th minute, when right-back Julian Ryerson was forced off with an injury, replaced by Marcus Pedersen. The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute: a defensive error from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly allowed Pedersen to intercept a pass and drive into the box, finishing low past Édouard Mendy to make it 1-0 at halftime.
Senegal had few clear opportunities in the first half, with Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson isolated up front. The African champions, stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year, looked disjointed and unusually sloppy in possession.
Second Half: Haaland Double Decides
Norway doubled their lead just three minutes after the restart. A midfield turnover sparked a four-on-three break, with Martin Ødegaard threading a perfect through ball to Haaland, who finished with his trademark composure past Mendy. It was Haaland's third goal of the tournament, and his 58th in 52 international appearances.
Senegal responded quickly. In the 53rd minute, a long ball from the back found Mané, who cut inside and played a pass to Ismaïla Sarr. The Crystal Palace winger was taken to ground but managed to swing a leg at the ball, directing it past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to make it 2-1.
Norway restored their two-goal lead in the 58th minute. A sliding cross from Pedersen skimmed past everyone, but substitute Patrick Berg collected the ball and set up Haaland in the box. The striker's inner-foot shot kissed the underside of the crossbar and went in, giving Norway a 3-1 advantage.
Senegal goalkeeper Mendy was forced off with an apparent leg injury in the 63rd minute, replaced by Mory Diaw on his 33rd birthday. Senegal made further substitutions, including captain Koulibaly exiting for Pape Sarr as they pushed for goals.
Late Senegal Fightback Falls Short
Senegal pulled one back in second-half stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, a cross into Jackson was quickly played to Sarr, who curled in his second goal of the match to make it 3-2. Senegal pushed for an equalizer, with a corner in the 90+9th minute leading to a header from Sarr that flew over the bar. The final whistle blew moments later, confirming Norway's advancement.
"Haaland doubles up again as Norway defeat Senegal and seal spot in World Cup last 32," wrote Barney Ronay in his match report. Norway captain Martin Ødegaard led the team in a rowing celebration with fans after the match, a moment that marked their first knockout appearance in 28 years.
Senegal are now ranked 12th among third-place sides with zero points and a -4 goal difference. They face Iraq in their final group match, needing a big win to have any chance of progressing. Norway, meanwhile, face France in a clash that will decide Group I's top spot.
