Norway have booked their place in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup after a narrow win over Senegal. According to the reporting, Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 and, in doing so, moved on to the round of 32. The result pitted a European side against an African one and went the way of the Norwegians by the slimmest of margins.
The man who lit up the contest was Norway's most feared attacker. According to the reporting, Erling Haaland starred with two goals in the match. The brace continued a prolific run for the striker at this tournament and confirmed his status as the focal point of the Norwegian attack in a game where his finishing made the difference.
Haaland's haul also pushed his personal numbers higher across the competition. According to the reporting, his two goals against Senegal took his tally for the tournament to four. That return underlined how central he has been to Norway's campaign and how much of their threat runs through him.
The scoring in the match itself began before the interval. According to the reporting, Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through Pedersen. That opening goal set the tone for a game in which Norway would have to hold on to their advantage against a Senegal side determined to respond.
Senegal did not go quietly and pushed the contest to the very end. According to the reporting, the Africans scored twice in the match, repeatedly cutting the gap as they chased an equaliser. Their efforts made for a tense finish, but in the end they fell one goal short in the 3-2 defeat.
With the win secured, Norway turn their attention to the next round of the competition. According to the reporting, the victory guaranteed their progression to the round of 32, keeping their World Cup hopes alive. For Senegal, the loss brought a difficult end to a match in which they had pushed a strong opponent close.