Haaland scores twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to reach World Cup last 32

Haaland’s brace sends Norway into the last 32 with a 3-2 win over Senegal, as the Scandinavians join France in securing qualification from Group I.

Erling Haaland struck twice to fire Norway into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in 28 years, but the Manchester City striker is keeping his feet on the ground.

He scored a brace in a 3-2 victory over Senegal

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Erling Haaland and Norway rowed their way into the World Cup’s round of 32. Haaland scored twice to raise his World Cup goals total to four, and the Vikings clinched advancement to the knockout rounds with a 3-2 win over Senegal on Monday night that was more of a slog than a sail. “It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.” READ: Erling Haaland says he’s in his best form, stats back him up After the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff gathered tightly in a 10-row formation […]...Keep on reading: World Cup: Haaland scores 2 more, Norway through to next round

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway booked their place in the last 32 of the World Cup with victory over Senegal in New Jersey. After just two games in the competition, the Manchester City striker has now scored twice as many goals (four) as any other Norway player in World Cup history. Haaland is clearly enjoying his first World Cup.

New Jersey: Norway advanced to the Round of 32 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in their second Group I match in front of a sold-out crowd of 80,663 at MetLife Stadium on Monday. Erling Haaland spearheaded the attack with a crucial brace following an opener from substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, while Ismaïla Sarr’s double kept Senegal fighting until the final whistle.FIFA World Cup 2026: Martin Odegaard, Erling Haaland & Norway Players Join Fans In Performing Iconic 'Viking Row' Following 3-2 Thriller Win Over Senegal | Video WATCH: Viking Row at MetLife Stadium during Norway vs Senegal looks absolutely incredible. pic.twitter.com/oqU28vOIOP— Sports on Predict (@predictdotsport) June 23, 2026 With France defeating Iraq 3-0 in the group’s other fixture, both European sides have officially secured their spots in the knockout stages. Despite the loss, Senegal remains in the hunt to progress as one of the best third-placed teams if it can defeat Iraq in their final group match.Drama from the opening whistleComing off a 3-1 defeat to France at the same venue, Senegal withstood an early onslaught of corner kicks after torrential rains engulfed the city. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy kept the Lions of Teranga level early on with a brilliant goal-line save, denying Kristoffer Ajer's downward header. 6 points in 2 games for Norway at the World Cup, 4 goals in 2 games for Erling Haaland!Ismaila Sarr, fighting until the very end with a brace for Senegal. Who’s been your Man of the Match? pic.twitter.com/yQzYLru8oW— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2026 Senegal gradually seized control of possession, while Norway suffered an early blow in the 12th minute when right-back Julian Ryerson was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury. He was replaced by Marcus Holmgren Pedersen—a substitution that would prove prophetic. Minutes later, Martin Ødegaard sent a shot over the crossbar but continued to orchestrate the play, firing up the vociferous, red-clad Norwegian crowd.Norway’s best chance of the half arrived in the 37th minute. Haaland expertly controlled a volley from the left and picked out an unmarked Martin Odegaard inside the box, but a quick-reacting Mendy once again denied the Arsenal playmaker.Erling Haaland vs pic.twitter.com/0I1uK7NSRR— (@drixprods) June 23, 2026 Pedersen breaks the deadlockThe breakthrough came two minutes before the interval, sending the stadium into a frenzy. Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly misjudged Ødegaard’s through-ball intended for Haaland, allowing Pedersen to pounce on the error. The substitute clinical finished past Mendy to claim his first international goal.Haaland nearly doubled the cushion in first-half injury time after forcing a mistake from the Senegalese keeper, but his agonizing finish struck the woodwork. This sent Vikings fans into a frenzy who had painted the stadium red.Ismaila Sarr’s double made sure Senegal went down fighting against Norway The 2021 Afcon champions still have an outside chance of making the knockout stages #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/oMTOmlmgWQ— Pulse & Passion (@AugustineO0z) June 23, 2026 A second-half goal frenzyThe match erupted after the break with three goals in a breathless 10-minute window.In the 48th minute, Odegaard sliced through two defenders with a precise pass to Haaland, who punished loose defending to net his third goal of the tournament. Senegal responded fiercely in the 53rd minute; Sadio Mané did the heavy lifting on the flank to find Ismaïla Sarr, who exposed Norway's backline to pull one back in the 58th minute.Rio Ferdinand on Senegal Losing to Norway ️ It's a dramatic one but at the end of the day, Norway got all the three points. Coach Stale Solbakken has done a great job by qualifying for World Cup Round of 32.I wouldn't believe Norway could be Senegal the reigning champions… pic.twitter.com/ydVdvmUCRB— ChrisSweetmanB (@cfcchris17) June 23, 2026 Haaland quickly restored the two-goal cushion, linking up with Antonio Nusa and Patrick Berg. Berg’s cross found the menacing Manchester City striker, who calmly lofted a volley over Mendy into the net. Mendy was injured during the play and had to be substituted.Senegal refused to surrender, reducing the deficit in the stoppage time. Sarr displayed a magnificent first touch on the penalty spot to lose his marker before drilling home his second of the night. Norway's players started tiring up and picking up injuries. They were reduced to 10 men at one point of time but held on to the slender lead to advance.