Haaland leads Norway into knockout stage with record-chasing World Cup display

Erling Haaland once again proved decisive on the world stage, scoring twice as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 on Monday to book its place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory at New York New Jersey Stadium secured Norway’s second straight win of the tournament and moved the team to six points in Group I. The result also confirmed qualification for both Norway and France, with the two nations advancing to the knockout stage.

Haaland’s latest performance strengthened his early Golden Boot campaign, taking his tournament tally to four goals, a mark that places him among the leading scorers at his first World Cup.

Pedersen breaks the deadlock before Haaland takes over

Norway’s breakthrough came late in the opening half after an unexpected change forced the team to adjust early.

Marcus Pedersen, introduced after Julian Ryerson suffered an injury, became the unlikely first scorer in the 43rd minute. A Martin Ødegaard cross was partially cleared into Pedersen’s path near the top of the penalty area, and the substitute’s low strike slipped through goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s grasp before finding the inside of the near post.

The goal gave Norway momentum, but the biggest moment arrived shortly after halftime.

Just three minutes into the second period, Ødegaard again played a central role, sending Haaland racing forward on a counterattack. The Manchester City forward made no mistake, powering a left-footed finish beyond Mendy to double Norway’s advantage.

Senegal responds, but Haaland restores Norway’s control

Senegal refused to fade away and pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute through Ismaïla Sarr, injecting fresh urgency into the contest.

However, Norway quickly restored its two-goal cushion.

Patrick Berg delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, and Haaland found space between Senegal’s defenders before converting a close-range volley to make it 3-1.

The brace pushed Haaland’s international record to 53 goals in 58 appearances for Norway. His recent form has been especially remarkable, with the striker now scoring 24 goals in his last 12 matches for his country.

The achievement also placed him in elite company. Haaland became only the second player in the last 50 years to score at least twice in each of his first two World Cup appearances, matching a feat previously achieved by England’s Harry Kane at the 2018 tournament.

Late Senegal rally creates nervous finish

Senegal continued to fight until the final whistle, with Sarr scoring again in stoppage time to set up a dramatic finish.

The late goal created tension, but Norway held firm and secured another important victory in its first World Cup appearance since 1998.

The Lions of Teranga, meanwhile, suffered a difficult setback. Senegal has now lost its opening two matches at a World Cup for the first time and must defeat Iraq in its final group game to keep alive its hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams.

The Viking celebration takes center stage

After the final whistle, Norway’s players celebrated with their supporters by joining the famous “Viking Row”, a coordinated routine where fans and players mimic rowing a longboat while chanting in rhythm with a drumbeat.

The celebration has become one of Norway’s most recognizable traditions throughout the tournament, appearing both inside stadiums and across New York and Boston.

Norway turns attention toward France showdown

With qualification secured, Norway now faces France on Friday in Foxborough with first place in Group I at stake.

Both teams enter the match with perfect records from their opening two games, although Haaland attempted to lower expectations ahead of the meeting.

“We’re through. We’re through,” Haaland said. “They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”

Norway opened its World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq before overcoming Senegal, announcing its return to football’s biggest stage with authority.

The journey continues, but Haaland and Norway have already delivered a powerful statement: the Vikings are back, and they are moving forward.