Haaland shines again as Norway beats Senegal to reach knockout stage

Norway's forward Erling Braut Haaland celebrated after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I match against Senegal at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Angela WEISS / AFP)

Erling Haaland scored two goals again as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on Monday, securing their place in the last 32 of the tournament.

Norway’s substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen scored just before halftime in New Jersey. Haaland added another goal shortly after the break.

Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal, but Haaland struck again, punishing Senegal’s weak defense. Norway advanced to the knockout stages with a game left, even though Sarr scored another goal late in the match.

Manchester City player Haaland now has four goals in two games at this World Cup. He is chasing Lionel Messi, who scored twice earlier in the day to reach 18 World Cup goals. Kylian Mbappe also scored two goals as France beat Iraq 3-0.

Norway has lost only once in their last 18 matches. They will face France in a big match for the top spot in the group in Boston on Friday.

Senegal must win against Iraq, who have no points, in their final game to keep their hopes alive.

Haaland, who has now scored 59 goals in 52 international games, led Norway to two World Cup wins in a row for the first time.

They showed they can be a serious threat in this tournament with a strong performance against Senegal, who made costly mistakes.

Norway set the pace early. Kristoffer Ajer’s header forced Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a great save with his legs from a corner. But they lost full-back Julian Ryerson to injury early in the match.

Captain Martin Odegaard missed a good chance after a cut-back from the right. Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson looked like their biggest threat.

Mendy saved Senegal again with a brilliant block to stop Odegaard after Haaland had cushioned Antonio Nusa’s cross into the box.

But Mendy made a big mistake, allowing Pedersen’s low shot to go under him after Kalidou Koulibaly lost possession to the substitute right-back at the edge of the box.

Haaland hit the post from a tight angle after Mendy got tangled up. But he made up for it three minutes into the second half. Norway broke quickly on a counter-attack.

Odegaard ran upfield and passed to Haaland, who finished strongly past Mendy. This added to the two goals he scored in Norway's opening 4-1 win over Iraq.

Senegal fought back as Sarr showed skill, scoring after falling to the ground following a clever flick from Sadio Mane.

But Koulibaly made another mistake, failing to clear the ball. Haaland volleyed in off the crossbar from Patrick Berg’s cross, exciting Norwegian fans who sang their famous rowing chant.

Mory Diaw replaced the injured Mendy in goal, but a headed clearance from Pathe Ciss stopped Oscar Bobb from scoring Norway’s fourth.

Sarr scored again, making the end of the match tense. But Norway held on to join France in the next round, leaving Senegal’s hopes hanging by a thread.

AFP