Norway secure World Cup knockout berth with Senegal victory
The Norwegian side recorded their first back-to-back World Cup wins in history, while Senegal’s tournament hopes hang by a thread ahead of their final Group I fixture.
Norway have secured their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds with a 3-2 victory over Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The result allows the Norwegian squad to advance to the last 32 with one group match remaining, marking a significant milestone as they record back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time in their history.
Erling Haaland was instrumental in the outcome, scoring a brace to extend his international goals tally to 59 in 52 games. Haaland now has four goals in two games at the tournament, following an opening 4-1 victory over Iraq. His second goal came three minutes into the second half, capitalising on a counter-attack initiated by captain Martin Odegaard, after Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen had opened the scoring late in the first half.
Senegal mounted a spirited response, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice to level the match at 2-2. Sarr’s performance made him the first Senegalese player to score at two different World Cups. Despite a late surge from the African side, which saw goalkeeper Edouard Mendy substituted for Mory Diaw after conceding the first goal, Norway held firm to claim the three points.
The match was punctuated by defensive errors from Senegal, including a mistake by captain Kalidou Koulibaly that allowed Pedersen to score. Norway, who have lost only once in their last 18 matches, also saw full-back Julian Ryerson injured early in the contest. A headed goal-line clearance from Pathe Ciss prevented Oscar Bobb from scoring Norway’s fourth goal, preserving the lead.
Norway will face France in Boston on Friday in a match that will determine the top spot in Group I. Meanwhile, Senegal remains without a point in the group and must defeat Iraq in their final group match to have any chance of advancing.
