Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 23

When Norway needed a statement victory to secure its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage, Erling Haaland once again delivered.

The prolific striker scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 on Monday night at New York/New Jersey Stadium, maintaining a perfect record through two Group I matches and booking a spot in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

Haaland’s latest masterclass elevated his tournament tally to four goals in two matches and strengthened his challenge for the adidas Golden Boot, placing him alongside fellow stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the early scoring race.

In a tense opening half with few clear-cut opportunities, Norway gradually found its rhythm and struck first just before the break. Defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen capitalized on a costly mistake by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly in the 43rd minute, driving home the opener to hand the Scandinavians a valuable lead.

If the first goal settled Norway, the second showcased the quality of its star duo.

Just three minutes after halftime, Martin Ødegaard threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Haaland’s path, and the striker calmly slotted home to double the advantage. The goal extended Haaland’s remarkable run to scoring in 12 consecutive competitive appearances for Norway.

Senegal refused to fade quietly. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back in the 53rd minute to reignite the contest, but Norway responded almost immediately. Five minutes later, Haaland struck again, poking home from close range to restore the two-goal cushion and seemingly put the result beyond doubt.

Sarr added a second goal deep into stoppage time, creating a nervous finish for the Norwegians, but Ståle Solbakken’s side held firm to secure all three points and confirm their progression from Group I.

The victory moves Norway to six points from six possible, level with France at the top of the group, while Senegal remains without a point and faces a difficult task heading into its final group-stage match.

Haaland was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after another decisive performance.

“It was special again,” Haaland said after the match. “Another amazing night and I’m super proud. I’m enjoying it a lot. I’ve enjoyed playing for Norway ever since my debut and you can see that. The World Cup is nice!”

For Senegal, the defeat was another painful setback, though forward Ismaila Sarr insisted his side would continue fighting.

“It was tough. We’re a little disappointed,” Sarr said. “But it’s not over yet, there’s still a third game to play. We’re going to go there to win it, and we’re going to work hard.”

The win also added another unique chapter to Norwegian World Cup history. According to FIFA, Norway’s four all-time World Cup victories have now come against opponents from four different confederations: Mexico (CONCACAF) in 1994, Brazil (CONMEBOL) in 1998, Iraq (AFC) earlier in this tournament, and now Senegal (CAF).

With Ødegaard orchestrating play and Haaland finishing chances at an elite rate, Norway has emerged as one of the tournament’s early success stories – and a team few will relish facing in the knockout rounds.

Match information, quotes, and photo courtesy of FIFA.com