Haaland Brace Sends Norway into Knockout Rounds
The match was a compelling contest, with Senegal showing great determination after their opening defeat to France.
XtraTime Newsdesk: Norway secured their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in their Group I clash at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey .
The match was a compelling contest, with Senegal showing great determination after their opening defeat to France. The first half remained tight until the 43rd minute, when Marcus Holmgren Pedersen capitalized on a defensive error from Senegalese captain Kalidou Koulibaly to give the Norwegians a 1-0 lead .
Erling Haaland took center stage after the break. The prolific striker doubled Norway's lead just three minutes into the second half, finishing off a precise pass from Martin Ødegaard . However, Senegal responded swiftly, with Ismaila Sarr pulling one back in the 53rd minute .
Haaland restored Norway's two-goal cushion in the 58th minute, tapping in from close range for his second of the night . Sarr added a second goal in stoppage time to set up a tense finish, but Norway held on for the win . The victory, Norway's second consecutive in Group I, confirmed their progression to the knockout stage alongside France, while Senegal remained without a point and faced an uphill battle for qualification .
(Photo Courtesy: Fifa.com)
