Erling Haaland struck twice as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 to secure a World Cup round of 32 spot, surviving a tense finish. Marcus Pedersen also scored, while Ismaila Sarr hit both goals for Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium as Norway’s sharper finishing made the difference in a match full of chances at both ends.

The result leaves Norway level on points with France before their group decider for first place, while Senegal must now beat Iraq to have any chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides. Senegal created plenty, yet missed key moments late on that kept them behind Norway in the standings.

The World Cup has seen leading names deliver, and Haaland is matching that level by joining Kylian Mbappe on four goals, one behind Lionel Messi in 2026. Haaland’s productivity for Norway is relentless, with at least one goal in 18 of the last 21 competitive appearances, including a run of 12 consecutive games featuring 22 goals since November 2024.

Those numbers accompany new World Cup landmarks. Haaland is the first Norway player to score in consecutive World Cup matches and is only the second player in the last 50 years to score multiple goals in both of a first two World Cup games, matching Harry Kane’s achievement from 2018.

Norway’s history at this tournament underlines the scale of the current campaign. Their best previous World Cup performance came in 1998, when they reached the round of 16 but never led at half-time. This time, Norway have gone in ahead at the break in both group fixtures, giving a more controlled platform for Haaland and teammates.

With France next, first place in the group remains open, yet Norway already know they will be in the round of 32. That security contrasts with Senegal’s situation, as Pape Thiaw’s side now rely on victory over Iraq and favourable results elsewhere, despite an attacking unit that has created chances across the group stage.

Norway actually started fast against Senegal, forcing four corners in the opening four minutes and almost scoring when Kristoffer Ajer headed straight at Edouard Mendy. Martin Odegaard then had a close-range effort smothered, yet the breakthrough finally arrived on 44 minutes as Pedersen, who replaced the injured Julian Ryerson after 13 minutes, drove Kalidou Koulibaly’s poor clearance under Mendy.

Haaland had been quiet before half-time but nearly added a second immediately, rounding Mendy on the right before hitting the near post. Three minutes into the second half, Odegaard slipped a precise through ball into space for Haaland, who powered in a clinical finish to complete a swift counter-attack and extend Norway’s advantage.

Senegal responded when Jackson headed straight at Orjan Nyland, then Sadio Mane found Sarr, who held off David Moller Wolfe before beating Nyland and going to ground in the 53rd minute. Norway’s two-goal cushion returned five minutes later, Haaland sharply adjusting his feet to volley Patrick Berg’s low cross off the underside of the bar, after which Mendy left the field injured.

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Pathe Ciss produced a vital defensive moment for Senegal late on, clearing Oscar Bobb’s goal-bound attempt off the line to keep hope alive. That intervention mattered when Sarr controlled and drilled in his second goal in the 93rd minute, becoming Senegal’s joint-top World Cup scorer with three goals, but Sarr then headed over with a final chance as the comeback fell short.

Across the match, Senegal recorded 16 attempts to Norway’s 13, yet again lacked Norway’s efficiency in front of goal. That contrast, along with Haaland’s scoring streak and Norway’s improved habit of leading at half-time, shapes the group picture, leaving Norway assured of progress and Senegal needing victory against Iraq to stay in the tournament.