Erling Haaland once again proved why he is one of world football’s most feared strikers as his second-half double inspired Norway to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal and secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
On a rain-soaked evening at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Stale Solbakken’s men showed resilience and attacking quality to become the latest team to book their place in the knockout stages alongside France.
With Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe having both scored twice earlier in the day for Argentina and France, respectively, Haaland ensured he remained firmly in the spotlight by producing another clinical display.
The Manchester City forward scored his 58th and 59th international goals in only his 52nd appearance for Norway, continuing a remarkable scoring streak that has now seen him find the net in 12 consecutive competitive matches for his country.
The 25-year-old came close to completing a hat-trick and admitted afterwards that he was disappointed not to leave with the match ball.
The game itself was almost overshadowed by severe weather conditions before kick-off. Supporters were briefly evacuated from parts of the stadium nearly four hours before the match after the United States National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the New York and New Jersey area.
Fortunately, the worst of the predicted storms failed to arrive during the match, allowing both teams to complete the contest under difficult but manageable conditions.
Norway’s victory gives them six points from two matches and guarantees their progression to the knockout stage. Remarkably, they have already won more matches at this tournament than they managed in all of their previous World Cup appearances combined.
Attention now turns to Friday’s heavyweight clash against France, with the winner expected to claim top spot in Group I.
For Senegal, however, the defeat leaves their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. The African side must now defeat Iraq in their final group match and potentially improve their goal difference if they are to join Norway and France in the last 32.
While Norway celebrate a long-awaited return to the knockout stages, the tournament continues to belong to its biggest stars. Messi, Mbappe and Haaland have all delivered on football’s grandest stage, but it is the Norwegian goal machine who continues to make perhaps the strongest statement of all.
If Haaland maintains his current form, Norway may yet become one of the stories of the tournament.
