Haaland Double Delivers Knockout Ticket as Norway Edge Senegal 3-2

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey on Sunday to book their place in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. 

The Manchester City striker now has four goals in two games, twice as many as any other Norway player has ever scored at a World Cup.

Marcus Pedersen, who came on as an early substitute, got Norway going late in the first half after Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly failed to clear his lines, leaving the full-back with a simple finish to make it 1-0.

Haaland took charge after the break. He latched onto a sharp through ball from Martin Odegaard to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute, becoming Norway's all-time top scorer at World Cups in the process. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal shortly after, but Haaland responded five minutes later with a composed side-foot volley that clipped the bar on its way in.

Sarr scored again deep into injury time to set up a tense finish, and came close to an equaliser in the final seconds but headed over the bar. Norway held on.

Haaland has now scored in 12 straight competitive games for Norway and has netted at least two goals in each of his last six appearances.

Norway are through to the round of 32 alongside France, who top Group I with six points. The two sides meet on Friday in a game that will decide who finishes top of the group. 

Senegal face Iraq at the same time and must win to have any hope of going through as one of the best third-placed teams.