Norway edged a pulsating 3-2 victory over Senegal to book their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Erling Haaland delivering the decisive moments on a night of high drama.

The Norwegians struck first after a nervy opening in which Senegal’s back line repeatedly invited pressure. Marcus Pedersen capitalised on a defensive mix-up, pouncing on a loose ball inside the area and drilling a low finish beyond the goalkeeper to give Norway an early advantage. The goal settled Ståle Solbakken’s side, who began to dictate the tempo and pin Senegal back.

Any hopes of a swift Senegal response were smothered by Norway’s organisation and Haaland’s constant menace on the break. Just after the interval, the Manchester City striker doubled the lead. Timing his run perfectly between the centre-backs, he latched onto a through ball and finished with trademark composure, sliding his shot into the far corner to make it 2-0.

Senegal, however, refused to fold. Ismaila Sarr dragged them back into the contest, exploiting space down the flank before cutting inside and firing past the Norwegian keeper. The goal ignited the African champions, who began to swarm forward in waves, forcing Norway deeper and testing their resolve.

With the pressure mounting, Haaland produced the game’s defining moment. Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, he shrugged off his marker and unleashed a fierce strike that arrowed into the top corner. The finish restored Norway’s two-goal cushion at 3-1 and underlined why he is regarded as one of the tournament’s most lethal forwards.

Norway then retreated, content to protect their lead and absorb Senegal’s attacks. That approach invited sustained pressure, and Sarr again punished them in stoppage time, curling a superb effort beyond the keeper to set up a frantic finale at 3-2.

Senegal threw everything forward in the dying seconds, but Norway held firm, clearing a series of crosses and set pieces to secure a historic win and progression from the group. The result, combined with France’s earlier 3-0 victory over Iraq inspired by a Kylian Mbappé brace, reshaped the dynamics of the group and confirmed Norway as one of the emerging forces of this World Cup.