Senegal fought back until stoppage time, but could not equalize and must beat Iraq to advance.
Published June 23, 2026
Erling Haaland scored his second goal in two consecutive World Cups as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium to advance to the last 32.
Norway’s substitute Markus Holmgren Pedersen scored late in the first half, and Haaland cut their lead to two points with a goal shortly after the suspension of Group I play on Monday.
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Senegal closed the gap with a goal from Ismaila Sarr, but despite Sarr’s late consolation, Haaland’s defensive laxity hurt as Norway advanced to the knockout stages with one game remaining.
Manchester City forward Haaland has scored four goals in two games in this tournament, closing in on Lionel Messi’s two on Sunday and taking his record for most goals in a World Cup to 18. Not to be outdone, Kylian Mbappé also scored two goals, and France defeated Iraq 3-0.
Norway have lost just once in their last 18 matches and will face France in Boston on Friday in a heated battle for top spot in the group.
Senegal must defeat fellow pointless Iraq in the final match to have a chance of avoiding early elimination.
Led by the unstoppable Haaland, who increased his impressive international goal tally to 59 goals in 52 games, Norway recorded back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time.
Their dominant performance against Senegal, who paid dearly for their mistakes, further strengthened their belief that they can do great damage in the final.
Norway quickly took control when Christopher Ajer’s header forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to make a fine save with his feet at the edge of the corner, but Norway lost full-back Julien Ryerson to injury early on.
With Nicholas Jackson looking Senegal’s most dangerous threat, captain Martin Odegaard slipped past an inviting cutback from the Norwegian right.
Antonio Nusa’s chipped cross was tipped into the box by Haaland, before Mendy saved Senegal with another great block to deny Odegaard.
But a terrible mistake from captain Kalidou Koulibaly saw Pedersen’s low drive slip under Mendy and give the ball to his substitute right-back on the edge of the box.
After a tangle with Mendy, Haaland rolled from a poor angle and hit the post, but Norway recovered in the third minute of the second half as they fought back and sliced through Senegal.
Odegaard ran up the field and passed the ball to Haaland. Haaland buried a powerful finish past Mendy and added to the two goals he scored in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq in the first game.
Senegal hit back hard, with Sadio Mane deftly flicking into the area and Sarr showing great composure to slot home after falling to the ground.
However, Koulibaly again had problems and Haaland’s volley from Patrick Berg’s cross hit the crossbar, but he was unable to clear it. Norwegian fans delighted with the viral rowing chant, which featured a colorful backdrop.
Molly Diaw scored in place of the injured Mendy, but Oskar Bobb was unable to score Norway’s fourth goal, only for Pate Sis to head it clear on the goal line.
Searle’s second run of the night produced a tense finish, but Norway persevered and joined France in the next round, keeping Senegal’s hopes intact.
Sarr also became the first Senegalese player to score in two different World Cups.
