Norway has secured a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks in large part to the impressive play of Erling Haaland. The Manchester City star scored his third and fourth goals of the tournament, leading his team to a 3-1 win over Senegal on Monday at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Haaland's goals came in the second half, bringing his international total to 59 in just 52 games. His performance has drawn comparisons to fellow superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who each scored twice in their own matches earlier on Monday.
Key Takeaways from Norway's Win
Four years ago, the World Cup final between France and Argentina was hailed as one of the greatest of all time. The subplot of that match was the battle between Messi and Mbappé, two of the world's best players. Haaland, meanwhile, watched from afar as Norway failed to qualify for the tournament.
Now, Haaland is making up for lost time. Despite missing two great chances in the first half, he took care of business in the second, scoring two goals to give Norway a two-goal lead. His timing was impeccable, with both goals coming at crucial moments in the match.
Senegal's Bad Luck Continues
Senegal's loss to Norway was their second in as many matches, and it has left them on the verge of an early World Cup exit. The team must now beat Iraq in their final group stage match to have any chance of advancing as one of the top third-place finishers.
Senegal's bad luck has been a theme throughout the year. After being stripped of their African Cup of Nations title in March, the team has struggled to find their footing. Their loss to Norway was a tough pill to swallow, especially given the momentum they had built after Ismaïla Sarr's goal cut the deficit in half.
Norway's Improved Depth
As good as Haaland is, he can't do it alone. Luckily for Norway, they have a deep and talented roster. The team is led by captain Martin Ødegaard, who plays for Premier League champions Arsenal. Other key players, such as Marcus Pedersen, have made significant contributions to the team's success.
What's Next for Group I?
Norway will look to secure an easier knockout round slate by topping the group. They'll face a tough test on Friday, however, as they take on France at Boston Stadium. Senegal, meanwhile, will try to run up the score against Iraq in their final group stage match.
