World Cup 2026: Haaland Brace Powers Norway Past Senegal in Five-Goal Thriller
3 min read
By Sedara Philip
Erling Haaland once again demonstrated why he is one of world football’s deadliest strikers as he scored twice to inspire Norway to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in their second Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester City forward delivered another match-winning performance as Norway secured back-to-back victories and moved level with France at the top of the group, while Senegal’s qualification hopes suffered a major setback following a second consecutive defeat.
For the Lions of Teranga, the result exposed continuing defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued their campaign since the opening-day loss to France. Despite a spirited late fightback, costly mistakes at the back ultimately proved decisive.
The match began with both sides seeking a positive result, but Norway quickly established control and looked the more dangerous team in the opening exchanges.
Senegal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, while Norway consistently threatened through the movement and physical presence of Haaland and the creativity of captain Martin Ødegaard.
As halftime approached, Senegal appeared on course to reach the break level thanks largely to the experience of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. However, disaster struck in the closing moments of the first half.
A misplaced touch from captain Kalidou Koulibaly gifted possession to Marcus Pedersen inside a dangerous area. The Norwegian full-back reacted quickly and fired a low effort past Mendy at his near post to hand Norway a deserved 1-0 lead.
Norway nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Haaland capitalised on hesitation inside the Senegalese defence. The striker struck the post before seeing his follow-up effort gathered by Mendy.
The warning signs were there, and Norway wasted little time extending their lead after the restart.
Just three minutes into the second half, Martin Ødegaard orchestrated a swift attacking move and threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Haaland. The striker made no mistake, clinically finishing beyond Mendy to make it 2-0.
Senegal responded positively and briefly reignited hopes of a comeback in the 53rd minute.
Sadio Mané registered his first goal contribution of the tournament with an intelligent pass that released Ismaïla Sarr. The winger stretched brilliantly to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The African side’s celebrations were short-lived.
Just five minutes later, another defensive lapse allowed Norway to restore their two-goal cushion. A dangerous cross created confusion inside the Senegal penalty area, and after Koulibaly failed to deal with the loose ball, substitute Patrick Berg seized possession before delivering an inviting cross for Haaland.
The Norwegian star produced a superb right-footed volley that crashed in off the crossbar, scoring his second goal of the match and making it 3-1.
The goal effectively placed Norway in command and left Senegal facing an uphill task.
To compound matters, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was later forced off through injury, while Koulibaly was substituted shortly afterwards in a move that reflected the frustration surrounding Senegal’s defensive performance.
Despite the setbacks, Senegal refused to give up.
Deep into stoppage time, Nicolas Jackson provided a clever assist for Sarr, who calmly finished to score his second goal of the evening and cut the deficit to 3-2.
The late goal sparked a frantic finale as Norway’s defence came under intense pressure. Senegal nearly completed an improbable comeback in the dying seconds, but Sarr’s header drifted over the crossbar, ending their hopes of rescuing a point.
The final whistle confirmed a vital victory for Norway, who now sit in a strong position heading into a decisive showdown with France on June 26. With both teams having won their opening two matches, the encounter will determine who finishes top of Group I.
For Senegal, the situation is far more precarious. The Lions of Teranga must now defeat Iraq in their final group match and significantly improve their goal difference if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.
While Norway celebrated another impressive victory, the evening once again belonged to Erling Haaland, whose clinical finishing and relentless attacking presence continue to drive his nation’s dream of a deep World Cup run.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
