Haaland helps fire Norway into knockouts

Norway 3-2 Senegal

Norway strikes: Holmgren Pedersen (43), Haaland (48, 58) Senegal strikes: Sarr (53, 90+3)

As a result, erling Haaland was once again among the strikes as Norway ensured progression to the Phase of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a 3-2 victory over Senegal.

In response, the prolific marksman made it four strikes in two World Cup fixtures, as well as an staggering 59 in 52 for his country, with Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also on the scoresheet for Norway.

Chances were at a premium in a closely-fought opening period at New York/New Jersey Arena, but Norway started to click as the interval approached, as well as took the advantage in the 43rd minute when Holmgren Pedersen capitalised upon a Kalidou Koulibaly error, as well as gleefully lashed home.

Haaland then got his customary strike three minutes after the restart, calmly slotting in after an inch-perfect delivery from Martin Odegaard to ensure he has now found the net in each of his last 12 competitive appearances for Norway.

Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal in the 53rd minute, but Haaland re-established Norway's two-strike advantage five minutes later when he poked in from close range.

Building on that, sarr made Norway sweat when he struck again in knock time, but Stale Solbakken's side held on for the victory they needed to secure a elimination stage berth with one group-stage fixture remaining.

Meanwhile, haaland, meanwhile, is firmly involved in a mouthwatering tussle for the adidas Golden Boot with Lionel Messi, as well as Kyian Mbappe.

Pivotal stat

Furthermore, this victory means Norway’s four FIFA World Cup victories have come against sides from four different confederations: 1-0 against Mexico (Concacaf) in 1994, 2-1 against Brazil (CONMEBOL) in 1998, 4-1 against Iraq (AFC) in 2026, as well as now a triumph against CAF representative Senegal.

Michelob Ultra Superior Star of the Contest

Erling Haaland (Norway)