The Haaland World Cup 2026 performance was the difference in style again, as Norway found all the answers on Monday evening against Senegal in New York New Jersey Stadium, to book themselves a place in the FIFA World Cup last 32.
Erling Haaland was again clinical with a brace in a second consecutive game to extend his lead to four goals. He was a major figure in Norway’s attacking arsenal that helped the side dominate in groups and was one of the key players in the Golden Boot race in the tournament.
Norway were in control in the second half, when captain Martin Ødegaard fed Haaland in perfectly, in the 48th minute, to bring the score back into their favor. The striker doubled his score later with a composed finish to bring Norway back into the match and put the ball in their favour.
Senegal tried to compensate in attacking play but it did not work as they were denied control by the structure and transition of their opponent’s play in some crucial moments. The match was competitive, with the 3-2 result being the result of Norway’s clinical performance in front of goal.
With Haaland’s impact, Norway coach Ståle Solbakken admitted the striker had opportunities to score more, but failed to do so. He was witty and noted that Haaland “could have scored four”, highlighting the fact that the goalscoring winger was in control and had high expectations.
The win will see Norway stay alive in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I with France, who also moved on with a steady start to their campaign.
The defeat adds to a tough group-stage campaign, with Senegal now under pressure to hold on onto the possibility of a qualification in the final match of the group stage. Haaland’s form has been one of the main stories of this tournament, and he’s been consistent with his scoring to make Norway a potential knockout stage threat.
