World Cup 2026: Erling Haaland brace fires Norway past Senegal in thrilling 3-2 victory

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland delivered another world-class performance on Tuesday morning, scoring twice to inspire Norway to an entertaining 3-2 victory over Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Norway Start Aggressively

Norway came out with real intent and almost grabbed an early opener in the third minute when Kristoffer Ajer climbed highest from a corner kick, only to see his header comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.

The Scandinavian side continued to apply pressure, and Martin Odegaard nearly found the breakthrough in the 14th minute after running onto a superb pass from Marcus Pedersen, but his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

Pedersen Punishes Senegal Error

After sustained pressure, Norway finally made their dominance count late in the first half. A costly defensive mistake gifted Marcus Pedersen possession inside the box in the 43rd minute, and the defender calmly slotted home to hand Norway a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Senegal were fortunate not to head into the break further behind moments later when goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s error allowed Haaland a golden opportunity, but the Norwegian striker could only strike the post from close range deep into stoppage time.

Haaland Takes Control After the Break

Norway wasted little time extending their lead after halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Haaland latched onto a precise through ball from Odegaard before producing a composed finish into the right side of the net to make it 2-0.

Despite falling further behind, Senegal responded with greater urgency. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was forced into an excellent save in the 52nd minute to deny Nicolas Jackson, whose low header looked destined for the net.

Senegal Fight Back Through Ismaila Sarr

The pressure eventually paid off for the Teranga Lions just a minute later. Ismaila Sarr produced a moment of brilliance in the 53rd minute, meeting a perfectly weighted pass before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

However, Norway responded in emphatic fashion. In the 58th minute, a slick attacking move involving Patrick Berg ended with Haaland finishing clinically once again, his effort crashing in off the crossbar to complete his brace and restore Norway’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.

Late Drama Not Enough for Senegal

Senegal refused to give up and continued to push forward in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off when Ismaila Sarr grabbed his second goal of the match during a late surge, but the comeback ultimately fell short as Norway held firm to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.

What the Result Means

The victory moves Norway onto six points in Group I, leaving them level with France but behind on goal difference.

Senegal, meanwhile, remain without a win after two matches and now face a must-win encounter against Iraq in their final group game if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.