A brace by Erling Haaland secured Norway’s spot in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a Group I match at the New Jersey Stadium. Senegal, still without a point, could progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams by defeating Iraq in their final fixture. Haaland’s feat makes him the first player since Harry Kane in 2018 to score multiple goals in his first two World Cup matches and the sixth overall, with four goals in Group I.
Haaland, engaged in a Golden Boot battle with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, has netted 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway, scoring four times in the tournament. In a closely contested first half, Norway took the lead just before halftime as Marcus Holmgren Pedersen capitalized on a defensive error. Haaland extended the lead early in the second half, maintaining his scoring streak in competitive matches for Norway.
Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr reduced the deficit, but Haaland swiftly responded to restore Norway’s two-goal lead. Despite Sarr’s late goal, Norway held on for the win, ensuring their place in the knockout stage with one group game left. Norway’s victory over Senegal marks their fourth FIFA World Cup win against teams from four different confederations, adding to their previous triumphs against Mexico, Brazil, and Iraq.
