World Cup 2026 | Norway 3 - 2 Senegal

Haaland double sends Norway into last 32 after victory over Senegal

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway secured their place in the World Cup last 32 with a victory over Senegal in New Jersey.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | New York New Jersey Stadium 

After only two matches at the tournament, the Manchester City striker Haaland has already scored twice as many World Cup goals (four) as any other Norwegian player in history.

A closer look at what happened

Full-back Marcus Pedersen, introduced early as a substitute, took advantage of a poor clearance from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly to give Norway the lead late in the first half. Haaland then took centre stage after the break.

He raced on to Martin Odegaard's incisive through ball to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute, becoming Norway's all-time leading scorer at World Cups in the process, before Ismaila Sarr reduced the deficit to revive Senegal's hopes.

Haaland quickly restored Norway's two-goal advantage five minutes later with a composed side-foot volley that went in off the crossbar.

The striker has now scored in 12 consecutive competitive matches for Norway and has registered at least two goals in each of his last six appearances.

Sarr struck again in stoppage time to set up a tense finish, and the Crystal Palace winger almost snatched an equaliser in the closing moments, only to head over the bar.

Stale Solbakken's side had been the stronger team throughout, despite a scrappy first half, and their second successive victory means they progress from Group I alongside France.

Senegal must beat Iraq in their final group match to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.