Norway beat Senegal 3–2 to seal knockout spot

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway edged Senegal 3–2 in a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage encounter to secure qualification for the knockout phase.

Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute when Marcus Holmgren Pedersen capitalised on a costly error from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, finishing from a turnover to give the Scandinavians a 1–0 advantage at half-time.

Senegal responded strongly after the break, with Ismaïla Sarr pulling one back in the 53rd minute to reignite hopes of a comeback. However, Norway quickly restored control just minutes later, as Martin Ødegaard launched a swift counterattack and provided a precise assist for Haaland, who finished emphatically with a first-time strike.

Haaland struck again to complete his brace, underlining his decisive impact on the contest and extending his remarkable international record to 58 goals in 52 appearances for Norway.

Late in the match, Sarr scored his second to narrow the deficit to 3–2 and set up a tense finish, but Senegal were unable to find an equaliser as Norway held firm to secure a crucial victory.

The result sends Norway into the knockout stage, with Haaland once again delivering on the big stage in a night defined by high-intensity football and clinical finishing.