Erling Haaland continued his blistering form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on Monday to secure a place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
The prolific striker netted his second consecutive brace of the tournament, taking his tally to four goals in two matches and helping Norway maintain their perfect start to Group I.
Substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring late in the first half before Haaland struck shortly after the restart to put Norway firmly in control. Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr, but Haaland quickly restored the two-goal cushion with his second of the night before Sarr grabbed a late consolation.
The victory means Norway advance to the knockout stage alongside France, setting up a decisive clash between the two sides for top spot in the group on Friday.
Haaland’s latest heroics further enhanced his remarkable international record, with the Manchester City striker now boasting 59 goals in just 52 appearances for Norway.
Norway started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock early when Kristoffer Ajer’s powerful header forced a superb save from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Captain Martin Odegaard also came close, firing over from a promising position before Mendy denied him again after excellent build-up play involving Haaland and Antonio Nusa.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime when Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly gifted possession to Pedersen, whose low effort slipped underneath Mendy and into the net.
Norway doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half with a devastating counter-attack. Odegaard surged forward before threading a perfectly weighted pass to Haaland, who finished emphatically beyond Mendy.
Senegal briefly reignited their hopes when Ismaila Sarr calmly converted after clever play from Sadio Mane, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
However, defensive mistakes continued to haunt the African side. Koulibaly failed to clear a dangerous cross from Patrick Berg, allowing Haaland to volley home off the crossbar and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
Sarr’s second goal of the evening ensured a nervous finish, but Norway held firm to record back-to-back World Cup victories for the first time in their history.
The result extends Norway’s impressive run to just one defeat in their last 18 matches and strengthens growing belief that Stale Solbakken’s side could emerge as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s hopes of progressing now hang in the balance. They must defeat Iraq in their final group match and rely on other results if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.
