Haaland's double seals Norway's first knockout berth in 28 years as Senegal fall 3-2

Erling Haaland struck twice to send Norway into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1998, guiding his side to a 3-2 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Manchester City striker now has four goals in two appearances at the tournament, level with Kylian Mbappe and one behind Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Norway’s place in the final 32 is secured, and a winner-takes-the-group showdown with France in Boston on Friday awaits.

Senegal frustrated Norway for much of the opening half-hour, keeping Haaland quiet and competing strongly in midfield. The deadlock broke as half-time approached through an unlikely source: substitute Marcus Pedersen, who had replaced the injured Julian Ryerson, capitalised on a misjudged clearance from 35-year-old Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy unable to keep out the shot.

Norway doubled their lead almost immediately after the restart. Martin Odegaard — who had wasted a chance of his own earlier — delivered a precise assist for Haaland to rifle into the top corner. Ten minutes later, Haaland added a third, volleying home off the crossbar to put the result beyond doubt.

Senegal refused to capitulate. Ismaila Sarr pulled two goals back, the second arriving in stoppage time, but Norway held on for a result that confirms Group I as the first to send two teams into the last 32, with France having beaten Iraq 3-0 earlier in the day. Senegal’s only remaining hope is to advance as one of the best third-placed sides.

After the final whistle, the Norwegian squad led their supporters in a “Viking row” celebration on the pitch — a mass rowing motion that has become a fixture of their time in New York. The stadium was heavily dominated by red-shirted Norway fans; visa restrictions have prevented the majority of Senegalese supporters from entering the United States, leaving their contingent in the stands notably sparse.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms had battered the area during the afternoon, prompting shelter-in-place warnings and disrupting travel to the ground, but the conditions did little to dampen Norway’s evening.