2026 World Cup: Norway defeated Senegal 3-2, Erling Haaland was the difference maker.

Norway's national team defeated Senegal with a final score of 3-2 in the second match of 2026 World Cup Group I at MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey, United States, Tuesday WIB. Erling Haaland scored two of Norway's winning goals. 

This victory is a critical result for Norway in their race to qualify for the knockout stages. The match opened up right from the very first minute. Stale Solbakken's side showed high tactical efficiency to withstand Senegal's aggressive resistance.

Antonio Nusa and Kristoffer Ajer created threatening attacks, but Senegal Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy successfully defended his goal.

Senegal soon struck back. Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr pushed to break through Norway's defensive line. 

The match proceeded at a high tempo with frequent physical duels. Norway was forced to substitute Julian Ryerson for Marcus Holmgren Pedersen as early as the 13th minute. 

This change became a decisive turning point as Pedersen performed exceptionally. He broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, Putting Norway ahead 1-0.

Right before half-time, Senegal came close to equalising through Ismaila Sarr. On Norway's side, Erling Haaland created two dangerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert before the break.

At the start of the second half, Stale Solbakken made a tactical adjustment, bringing Patrick Berg on to replace Fredrik Aursnes. 

Three minutes into the second half, Haaland doubled Norway's lead finishing off an assist from Martin Odegaard. The score stood at 2-0 for Norway in the 48th minute.

Senegal responded quickly. Ismaila Sarr cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 53rd minute after receiving a pass from Sadio Mane.

This Senegal momentum was short lived. Just five minutes later, Haaland scored his second goal of the match, converting a pass from Patrick Berg to extend Norway's lead to 3-1.

Senegal pulled one back to make it 3-2 during stoppage time, with Ismaila Sarr netting his second goal after connecting a pass from Nicolas Jackson. 

Senegal continued pushing attacks searching for an equaliser, but the 3-2 scoreline held until full time to secure Norway's victory. 

Match Lineups 

Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Moller Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson; Aursnes, Berge, Odegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth.

Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diouf, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Camara; Mane, Jackson, Sarr.