Haaland Brace Propels Norway Past Senegal in World Cup Thriller

Erling Haaland continued his record-breaking streak by scoring twice as Norway secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal in a Group I clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday. The match, held in New Jersey, saw Norway dominate early and withstand a spirited Senegal fightback to edge closer to the knockout stages.

Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through substitute Marcus Pedersen, who scored his first international goal after Kalidou Koulibaly lost possession outside the box. Haaland then doubled the advantage moments into the second half (47th minute), outpacing the defense to convert a Martin Ødegaard through ball for his 58th Norway goal.

Senegal pulled one back through Ismaila Sarr in the 53rd minute, but Haaland restored Norway's two-goal cushion with his second of the night just five minutes later (58th minute). The setback was compounded for Senegal as goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was forced off with an injury shortly after Haaland's second goal, replaced by Mory Diaw.

Senegal refused to fade and set up a tense finish when Ismaila Sarr scored his second in the third minute of stoppage time (90+3), before Pape Sarr headed a goal-line clearance to deny Norway a fourth. Despite nine minutes of added time, Norway held firm to secure a vital win.

Haaland has now scored two or more goals in each of his last six competitive internationals and became the first Norwegian to net three times at a World Cup. The result leaves Norway level on six points with France atop Group I ahead of their decisive final group match.