Norway beats Senegal (3-2) but loses group lead to France

Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on matchday two of Group I in the 2026 World Cup, but nonetheless cedes top of the standings to France, who now lead the Scandinavians on goal difference.

The match began at a brisk pace, with an early Norwegian chance in the 4th minute: Ajer’s header was pushed away by Édouard Mendy. Senegal gradually took control of the ball without managing to be dangerous in the final metres.

It was a Kalidou Koulibaly error that opened the scoring for Norway just before the break (43rd), with Holmgren Pedersen capitalizing to finish. After the restart, Erling Haaland quickly doubled the lead on the counter, from an action initiated by Martin Ødegaard (2-0, 51st). Ismaïla Sarr immediately reduced the deficit for Senegal (2-1, 53rd), completely relaunching the match.

Norway scored a third goal to make it 3-1 and appeared to have done the hard work, but Sarr found the net again late in the match (3-2), creating intense pressure in the final minutes. The Norwegians ultimately held on until the final whistle.

In Group I standings, France and Norway are now level on points, but the Blues take the advantage thanks to a superior goal difference — just one goal conceded against three for the Scandinavians. The two teams will meet on the third and final matchday in a direct battle for top spot. Senegal, meanwhile, retains hope of qualification via the best third-placed teams, but no longer controls its own destiny.