Erling Haaland continued his sensational form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on Monday to secure qualification for the last 32 with a game to spare.
The Manchester City striker delivered another match-winning performance in New Jersey, taking his tally to four goals in two matches and reinforcing his status as one of the tournament’s deadliest forwards.
Norway’s victory also extended their impressive run, with the Scandinavian side now losing only once in their last 18 matches.
After both teams exchanged early chances, Norway eventually broke the deadlock late in the first half through substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen.
The goal came after Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly gifted possession to the replacement right-back, whose low effort slipped underneath goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Before then, Mendy had kept Senegal alive with brilliant saves to deny Kristoffer Ajer and captain Martin Odegaard, while Nicolas Jackson posed the biggest attacking threat for the African side.
Three minutes into the second half, Norway doubled their advantage with a devastating counterattack.
Odegaard surged forward and released Haaland with a perfectly weighted pass, and the striker finished emphatically past Mendy to make it 2-0.
The goal followed the two he scored during Norway’s opening 4-1 victory over Iraq, making it back-to-back braces for the prolific forward.
His international record now stands at an astonishing 59 goals in just 52 appearances for Norway.
Senegal refused to surrender and pulled one back when Ismaila Sarr showed excellent composure to score after a clever flick from captain Sadio Mane.
But the African side’s defensive struggles resurfaced moments later.
Koulibaly failed to clear Patrick Berg’s cross, allowing Haaland to volley home off the crossbar for his second goal of the night and Norway’s third.
The strike sent Norwegian fans into celebration as their famous rowing chant echoed around the stadium.
Senegal suffered another setback when goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was forced off injured and replaced by Mory Diaw.
Oscar Bobb almost added a fourth for Norway, but Pathe Ciss made a crucial headed clearance on the goal line.
Sarr grabbed his second goal of the game late on to set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to secure a memorable victory and book their place in the knockout stage
The result means Norway and France have both advanced from Group I and will meet in Boston on Friday to decide who finishes top of the group.
For Senegal, defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. The Lions of Teranga must defeat Iraq in their final group game and hope other results go in their favour to avoid an early exit.
