Erling Haaland scored a brace as Norway claimed a 3-2 victory against Senegal who are likely out of the World Cup 2026 after failing to win any game.
The result confirms Norway’s place in the Round of 32, with Erling Haaland’s clinical finishing serving as the centerpiece of a hard-fought evening in East Rutherford.
The match started with a sense of urgency, with Norway looking to build on their tournament momentum.
The tactical landscape shifted early in the 13th minute when Julian Ryerson was forced off due to injury.
His replacement, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, proved to be an inspired substitution, finding the breakthrough in the 43rd minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
Coming out of the break with a 1-0 lead, Norway surged forward. Martin Ødegaard, orchestrating the midfield with his characteristic vision, delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Haaland, who doubled the lead in the 48th minute.
Senegal refused to fold under pressure. Just five minutes after Haaland’s second, Ismaïla Sarr pulled one back for the Teranga Lions following an incisive flick from Sadio Mané.
The goal injected life into the Senegalese attack, but Norway restored their two-goal cushion in the 58th minute when Haaland connected with a Patrick Berg cross, firing a superb volley in off the underside of the crossbar.
The final stages of the match were marked by frantic end-to-end play. Senegal suffered a blow when goalkeeper Édouard Mendy had to be substituted due to injury, but they continued to press.
Sarr completed his own brace deep into stoppage time 90+3′, but it was too little, too late, as Norway’s backline held firm to protect the 3-2 scoreline.
The match came to a conclusion with the Norwegians claiming massive three points, while the AFCON Champions will hope they can win their last match and secure a best loser finish.
With this win, Norway sits level with France on six points, setting up a highly anticipated final group-stage showdown on Friday to determine who will claim the top seed in Group I.
For Senegal, the result leaves them searching for their first points of the tournament as they now face a must-win scenario against Iraq in their final match to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Beyond the tactical battle, the night will be remembered for the iconic Viking Row celebration, where captain Martin Ødegaard and his teammates joined fans in a synchronized rhythmic tribute, cementing the sense of unity within the Norwegian camp as they look toward the knockout rounds.
