World Cup: Haaland fires Norway past Senegal into knockout stage

Erling Haaland struck twice again on Monday as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to qualify for the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup with a game to spare.

The Manchester City striker continued his ruthless scoring form in New Jersey, taking his tally to four goals in two matches after also scoring twice in Norway’s opening 4-1 victory over Iraq.

Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring late in the first half before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the restart.

Senegal briefly fought back through Ismaila Sarr, but Haaland punished poor defending to restore Norway’s two-goal advantage before Sarr scored again late on to set up a tense finish.

Norway held on to join France in the knockout rounds, while Senegal’s hopes are now hanging by a thread after back-to-back defeats.

The African champions must beat Iraq in their final Group I match and hope other results go their way to avoid an early exit.

Haaland, who now has 59 goals in 52 international appearances, has quickly forced himself into the Golden Boot conversation alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Messi scored twice for Argentina earlier on Monday to set a new World Cup scoring record of 18 goals, while Mbappe also netted twice as France beat Iraq 3-0.

Norway have now lost only once in their last 18 matches and will face France in Boston on Friday in a battle for top spot in Group I.

Haaland’s latest display added more weight to the belief that Norway could be one of the dangerous outsiders at this tournament.

They started brightly against Senegal, with Kristoffer Ajer forcing Edouard Mendy into a fine save from a corner.

Norway, however, suffered an early setback when full-back Julian Ryerson was forced off injured.

Captain Martin Odegaard later wasted a good chance, while Nicolas Jackson carried Senegal’s main attacking threat.

Mendy again came to Senegal’s rescue when he denied Odegaard after Haaland had cushioned Antonio Nusa’s chipped cross into the box.

But the Senegal goalkeeper was beaten before half-time after a poor mistake by captain Kalidou Koulibaly allowed Pedersen to drive in a low shot from the edge of the area.

Haaland came close moments later when his effort from a tight angle struck the post, but he made no mistake three minutes into the second half.

Odegaard surged forward on the counter-attack and slipped a pass to Haaland, who finished powerfully past Mendy.

Senegal responded through Sarr, who showed composure to poke home after Sadio Mane’s clever flick into the area.

But Koulibaly was again caught out as Haaland volleyed Patrick Berg’s cross in off the crossbar to make it 3-1.

Mendy was later replaced by Mory Diaw after picking up an injury, while Pathe Ciss made a headed clearance on the line to deny Oscar Bobb.

Sarr’s second goal gave Senegal late hope, but Norway survived the pressure to seal a historic victory and book their place in the knockout stage.