It was a match neither side could afford to lose. With FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure was immense, and it was Norway who handled it better.

Erling Haaland once again proved why he is regarded as one of the defining talents of his generation. The Norway striker scored twice from opportunities that many forwards would have failed to convert, delivering a match-winning performance that earned him the Player of the Match award.

Despite the final scoreline, Senegal were far from outclassed. The African side competed aggressively, created dangerous moments throughout the contest and frequently tested the Norwegian defence. Ismaila Sarr was the standout performer for Senegal - the winger came agonisingly close to completing a memorable hat-trick in the closing stages, but with the goal at his mercy, he failed to hit the target.

World Cup 2026

Norway - Senegal 3:2 (1:0)
Goals: Holmgren Pedersen, 43 (1:0); Håland E., 48 (2:0); Sarr Is., 53 (2:1); Håland E., 58 (3:1); Sarr Is., 93 (3:2)

Norway: Nyland; Heggem (Ostigard, 84); Wolfe; Ajer; Ryerson (Holmgren Pedersen, 12); Berge; Odegaard; Aursnes (Berg P., 46); Håland E.; Nusa (Schjelderup, 71); Sørloth (Bobb, 84)
Substitution: Holmgren Pedersen (from 12); Berg P. (from 46); Schjelderup (from 71); Ostigard (from 84); Bobb (from 84)
Bench: Tangvik; Selvik; Langås; Falchener; Bjorkan; Thorstvedt; Aasgaard T.; Hauge; Thorsby; Strand Larsen

Senegal: Mendy Ed. (Diaw M., 63); Koulibaly K. (Sarr P., 72); Niakhaté; Gueye P.A. (Mbaye, 54); Camara L. (Ciss P., 63); Diouf Mal. (Jakobs I., 54); Gueye I.; Mane Sa.; Sarr Is.; Jackson N.; Diatta
Substitution: Jakobs I. (from 54); Mbaye (from 54); Diaw M. (from 63); Ciss P. (from 63); Sarr P. (from 72)
Bench: Diouf Y.; Mendy An.; Sarr; Seck A.; Diarra H.; Sapoko Ndiaye; Diao; Ndiaye Il.; Dieng A.; Ndiaye Ch.