2026 World Cup/ Haaland makes history as Norway advance to World Cup Knockout stage
Erling Haaland continued his remarkable international form, scoring twice to secure Norway’s place in the World Cup last 32 with a victory over Senegal in New Jersey.
The Manchester City striker has now netted four goals in just two matches, doubling Norway’s previous all-time World Cup scoring record. His 48th-minute strike, following the incisive pass of Martin Odegaard, made him the leading scorer of Norway in tournament history.
Marcus Pederson had given Norway the lead late in the first half after capitalizing on Kalidou Koulibaly’s poor clearance. Ismaila Sarr briefly revived Senegal’s hopes, but Haaland restored the two-goal cushion with a deft side-foot volley off the bar.
Sarr’s injury-time header set up a tense finale, but Norway held firm for their second consecutive victory, securing qualification from Group I alongside France.
Haaland has now scored in 12 straight competitive matches for Norway, with multiple goals in each of his last six appearances. Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group match to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
The 25-year-old, who earlier hit the post after dispossessing Senegal’s keeper, is thriving under the World Cup spotlight. With at least two more matches guaranteed, his quest for a first tournament hat-trick continues.
