Erling Haaland Scores Twice, Norway Reaches World Cup Knockout Stage with 3-2 Win Over Senegal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to secure a place in the World Cup round of 32. The Manchester City striker increased his tournament total to four goals and continued his remarkable scoring streak. Norway advanced from Group I alongside France and will battle Les Bleus for first place.
Erling Haaland Norway World Cup Quick Looks
- Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 at MetLife Stadium.
- Erling Haaland scored two goals in the victory.
- Haaland now has four goals in the 2026 World Cup.
- Norway clinched a place in the knockout rounds.
- Martin Ødegaard contributed an assist.
- Marcus Pederson opened the scoring in the first half.
- Ismaïla Sarr scored both goals for Senegal.
- Haaland has 24 goals in his last 12 international matches.
- Norway is making its first World Cup appearance since 1998.
- The Vikings will face France for first place in Group I.
Deep Look
Haaland Leads Norway Into the World Cup Knockout Stage
Erling Haaland once again delivered on soccer’s biggest stage, scoring twice as Norway secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal and booked its place in the World Cup round of 32.
The win guaranteed advancement for the Vikings and continued the remarkable scoring run of one of the world’s most prolific strikers.
“It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”
While the scoreline suggested a comfortable evening for Norway, the match proved far more difficult than expected as Senegal repeatedly threatened and pushed the Scandinavians deep into the contest.
Still, Norway found the goals it needed behind Haaland’s finishing ability and timely contributions from teammates throughout the lineup.
Viking Celebration Goes Viral
Following the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff celebrated with supporters by performing the now-famous Viking Row.
The team assembled in formation near the penalty area while captain Martin Ødegaard beat a bongo drum and supporters chanted in unison.
The celebration has become a national phenomenon during the tournament.
“We’ve all seen it online and it’s been going completely viral, so Martin told me before the game, `What do you think? Should we join in?'” Haaland recalled.
“`If we win, let’s do it. So why not? Let’s go for it,'” Haaland said he responded. “So it was a perfect moment I think to do that.”
The trend has spread throughout Norway, with even members of parliament joining the celebration last week in support of the national team.
“It was fun,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said through an interpreter. “We will not be rowing after the World Cup but this can be a gimmick during the tournament.”
Pederson Opens the Scoring
Norway broke through late in the first half thanks to substitute Marcus Pederson.
Pederson entered the match in the 13th minute after Julian Ryerson was unable to continue because of an injury.
The substitute made an immediate impact.
In the 43rd minute, Ødegaard delivered a dangerous pass into the box. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly attempted to clear the ball but sent it directly toward Pederson near the edge of the area.
Pederson settled the ball and fired a low effort that slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and into the net.
The goal gave Norway a crucial 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Haaland Takes Control
Norway wasted little time extending its advantage after the break.
Just three minutes into the second half, Haaland latched onto a pass from Ødegaard and raced forward before finishing past Mendy with a left-footed strike.
The goal highlighted the chemistry between Norway’s two biggest stars and doubled the lead.
“He’s very efficient,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.
Senegal responded quickly when Ismaïla Sarr cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 53rd minute, briefly reviving hopes of a comeback.
But Haaland struck again only minutes later.
Patrick Berg delivered a precise pass into the penalty area and Haaland surged between defenders before volleying home with his right foot from close range.
After scoring, the striker cupped his hand to his ear and celebrated with Norway supporters behind the goal.
Historic Goal-Scoring Form
Haaland’s numbers continue to place him among the most dangerous forwards in international soccer.
The 25-year-old now has:
- 4 goals at the 2026 World Cup
- 24 goals in his last 12 international appearances
- Goals in 12 consecutive matches for Norway
- 59 goals in just 52 international appearances
The latest brace also placed him among elite company.
Haaland joined Harry Kane as the only players in the past 50 years to record two-goal performances in each of their first two World Cup appearances.
He now sits second in the Golden Boot race, one goal behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi and level with France superstar Kylian Mbappé.
“He did miss an open goal. He could have scored even four,” Solbakken said. “He is the best striker — he is not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”
Senegal Refuses to Quit
Despite trailing by two goals, Senegal continued to push forward.
Sarr scored his second goal deep into stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and create nervous moments for Norway.
The Lions of Teranga generated opportunities throughout the match and forced Norway to remain alert until the final whistle.
“If we had just played slightly worse, then we would be in trouble,” Solbakken said.
The defeat leaves Senegal without a point after two matches.
For the first time in its World Cup history, Senegal starts a tournament 0-2.
The African side now faces Iraq in its final group-stage match and must win while hoping other results go its way to keep knockout-round hopes alive.
“We’ve got everything left to play for,” Thaw said.
Norway and France Advance
Norway’s victory ensured qualification from Group I alongside France.
However, the late Senegal goal may prove important in determining final standings.
Because Norway conceded in stoppage time, the Vikings will likely need a victory over France in their final group-stage match to secure first place and potentially gain a more favorable knockout-round path.
For a nation making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, simply reaching the round of 32 represents a major achievement.
Yet expectations continue to rise with Haaland leading the attack.
A Nation Celebrates
Heavy rain arrived shortly after the match ended, forcing fans to seek shelter around MetLife Stadium.
The weather did little to dampen the mood among Norwegian supporters.
Their team had secured advancement, their superstar striker had delivered again, and the Viking Row celebration added another memorable chapter to Norway’s surprising World Cup journey.
“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said, “every single Norwegian on the planet today.”
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