Norway Strike Late in First Half to Set Up Victory
Norway secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Senegal in a pulsating World Cup 2026 hub Group I encounter on 22 June 2026, with Haaland’s double proving the difference between the two sides.
Pedersen broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute to hand Norway the lead heading into the closing stages of the first half. The advantage was extended almost immediately after the restart when Haaland struck in the 48th minute, before the striker completed his brace in the 58th minute to put Norway firmly in control.
Senegal Fight Back but Fall Short
Senegal refused to capitulate. I. Sarr pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute to give his side hope, cutting the deficit to a single goal as the match entered its final stages. With the clock deep into stoppage time, I. Sarr struck again in the 90th+3rd minute to set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to claim all three points.
The result means Norway join France on 6 points at the top of Group I after two matches played. Senegal, meanwhile, remain on 0 points alongside Iraq, leaving their World Cup 2026 hopes in serious jeopardy. The live World Cup 2026 standings will be updated as the group stage continues to unfold.
Norway’s victory, built on Haaland’s clinical finishing and an opening goal from Pedersen, underlines their credentials as genuine contenders in Group I. Senegal will need to regroup significantly if they are to salvage anything from the remainder of the tournament.