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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Haaland Double Fires Norway Past Senegal, Sets Up Group I Decider with France
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway secured their place in the World Cup round of 32 for the first time since 1998, defeating Senegal 3-2 in East Rutherford. Marcus Pederson also scored on his debut, while Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr scored twice in a losing effort. Norway will now face France in a group decider for the top spot in Group I.
Quick Facts
Who
Erling Haaland
What
advanced to round of 32
When
Monday night
Where
MetLife Stadium
- advanced to round of 32
- scored twice
- scored on debut
- scored two goals
- defeated 3-2
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Erling Haaland scored twice to propel Norway into the World Cup round of 32 with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday night. The win at MetLife Stadium marked a historic moment for the Vikings, who have advanced to the knockout stage for the first time since 1998.
Marcus Pederson opened the scoring on his World Cup debut, coming on as an early substitute for the injured Julian Ryerson. He capitalized on a defensive error from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly to fire home from the edge of the box. Haaland then took over, first finishing a swift counter-attack from Martin Ødegaard's pass in the 48th minute, and later volleying his second goal with his weaker right foot after a clever through ball from Patrick Berg.
Senegal, who are now all but eliminated from the tournament, fought back twice through Ismaïla Sarr. The winger scored in the 53rd minute and again deep into second-half stoppage time, reducing the deficit and denting Norway's goal difference. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy left the pitch injured in the 63rd minute, adding to the team's woes.
With the win, Norway joins France on six points in Group I. France holds the top spot due to a superior goal difference, setting up a decisive final group match between the two teams on Friday. Norway will need to beat France to finish first in the group and secure a theoretically easier path in the knockout stage. Senegal, with zero points, faces Iraq needing a win to maintain slim hopes of advancing as a third-place team.
Haaland, who has now scored four goals in his first two World Cup matches, continues his extraordinary international form with 24 goals in his last 12 appearances for Norway. He is currently second in the Golden Boot race, one goal behind Argentina's Lionel Messi and level with France's Kylian Mbappé.
Why This Matters
This result decides the path for Group I. Norway now faces a must-win match against France to top the group and secure a theoretically easier knockout stage draw. For Senegal, with zero points, only a win against Iraq and favorable results elsewhere can keep their slim third-place advancement hopes alive. The match also showcases Haaland's relentless form, positioning him as a Golden Boot contender alongside Messi and Mbappé.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch kickoff between Norway and Senegal
Jun 22, 2026
WireJulian Ryerson injured, replaced by Marcus Pederson
Jun 22, 2026
WireMarcus Pederson scores for Norway, 1-0
Jun 22, 2026
WireErling Haaland scores first goal, 2-0
Jun 22, 2026
WireIsmaïla Sarr scores for Senegal, 2-1
Jun 22, 2026
WireErling Haaland scores second goal, 3-1
Jun 22, 2026
WireÉdouard Mendy substituted due to injury
Jun 22, 2026
WireIsmaïla Sarr scores again for Senegal, 3-2 final
Jun 22, 2026
WireFull time: Norway wins 3-2, secures round of 32 berth
Entities
- MetLife Stadium
- Lionel Messi
- New Jersey
- Norway national football team
- East Rutherford, New Jersey
- East Rutherford
- Marcus Pederson
- Harry Kane
- Julian Ryerson
- Ismaïla Sarr
- Norway
- Senegal national football team
- Iraq
- Senegal
- Édouard Mendy
- Martin Ødegaard
- Erling Haaland
- France national football team
- Patrick Berg
- Canada
- France
- Iraq national football team
- Kylian Mbappé
- Kalidou Koulibaly
- Toronto