Haaland double sends Norway into knockout stage

Norway came from a frantic first half to beat Senegal 3-2 in Group I and book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Marcus Pedersen put Norway ahead in the 43rd minute after a mistake from Kalidou Koulibaly, before Erling Haaland added a quick second-half double to stretch the lead to 3-1. Senegal responded through Ismaïla Sarr in the 53rd minute and again in stoppage time, but they could not find an equaliser.

The match at the Boston Stadium, officiated by Wilton Sampaio, started at a high tempo. Norway forced four corners in the opening four minutes, a World Cup first, while Edouard Mendy made several saves to keep Senegal in the game. Norway also lost Julian Ryerson to injury in the second minute.

Haaland’s first came from a Patrick Berg cross in the 48th minute. His second followed in the 58th, when he volleyed home from close range. The striker now has 58 goals in 52 international appearances.