Norway 3-2 Senegal – group stage, Group I result

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued its opening drama on 23 June as Norway faced Senegal in a Group I clash at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Both teams entered the match eager to secure early points, and the stadium provided a vibrant backdrop for a contest that would swing back and forth before the final whistle.

How it unfolded

The first half opened cautiously, but the dead-lock was broken in the 43rd minute when Norway’s Marcus Holmgren Pedersen struck a right-footed shot from the right side of the box, sending the ball to the top right corner and giving the home side a 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Norway doubled their advantage. Erling Haaland, fed by a swift through ball from Martin Ødegaard, unleashed a left-footed strike from the centre of the box that flew into the top right corner, making it 2-0 at the break.

Senegal responded quickly after the interval. In the 53rd minute, Ismaïla Sarr cut the deficit to one when he received a precise pass from Sadio Mané and fired a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top right corner, reducing the score to 2-1. The Norwegian response was immediate; five minutes later, Haaland completed his brace. Patrick Berg supplied a through ball, and Haaland met it with a right-footed strike from the centre of the box that found the high centre of the goal, restoring Norway’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.

The match appeared settled, but Senegal kept fighting. In stoppage time, the 90'+3' minute saw Sarr strike again. After a clever assist from Nicolas Jackson, Sarr placed a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top right corner, narrowing the margin to 3-2. The goal arrived too late for Senegal to find an equaliser, and Norway held on for a hard-earned victory.

Standout performers

Erling Haaland was the most decisive figure, scoring two goals within a ten-minute spell and showcasing clinical finishing. His first strike was set up by Martin Ødegaard, while the second came from a well-timed pass from Patrick Berg. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen provided the opening goal that set the tone for Norway’s early dominance.

For Senegal, Ismaïla Sarr proved a persistent threat, also netting twice. His first goal was created by Sadio Mané, and his late consolation came from a Nicolas Jackson assist. Both Mané and Jackson demonstrated their creative ability with the key passes that led to Senegal’s goals.

Match facts

  • Final score: Norway 3-2 Senegal
  • Scorers:
    • Norway: Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (43'), Erling Haaland (48', 58')
    • Senegal: Ismaïla Sarr (53', 90'+3')
  • Assists: Martin Ødegaard (48'), Patrick Berg (58'), Sadio Mané (53'), Nicolas Jackson (90'+3')
  • Bookings: none
  • Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

What it means

The result leaves both Norway and Senegal with one match each in the Group I phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping their campaigns alive as they look to accumulate the points needed to advance.