World Cup 2026: Haaland strikes twice as Norway secure knockout progression
Erling Haaland scored a brace as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Norway joins France in the next round.
Norway secured their spot in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday in New Jersey. Erling Haaland scored his second consecutive brace in the tournament, taking his tally to four goals in two games.
Substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring late in the first half, and Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal, but Haaland punished more defensive errors to restore the two-goal cushion. Despite Sarr's second goal late in the game, Norway held on to join France in the next round.
Norway have lost only once in their last 18 matches and will face France on Friday in Boston to decide the group winner. Senegal must beat Iraq in their final match to have any chance of advancing.
Haaland, who now has 59 international goals in 52 appearances, continued his dominant form. Norway's back-to-back wins at a World Cup are a first for the nation. Senegal's captain Kalidou Koulibaly made costly mistakes leading to goals. The match ended tensely, but Norway's defense held firm to secure progression.
