Senegal's hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a devastating hit on Wednesday as Erling Haaland struck twice to hand Norway a 3-2 victory in Group I at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

The result leaves Pape Thiaw's side without a single point after two matches, with the threat of an early group-stage exit growing with every passing hour.

Koulibaly error hands Norway the lead

Norway dominated the early exchanges, forcing a string of corners before Senegal gradually found their footing. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was kept busy, making crucial saves from Kristoffer Ajer and Martin Odegaard to keep the Lions of Teranga in the contest.

The deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute through an error that will haunt Senegal. Kalidou Koulibaly's poor intervention gifted substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen the space to finish past Mendy — a damaging blow against the run of play, and a costly lapse from one of Senegal's most experienced figures.

Haaland punishes Senegal after the break

Norway needed only three minutes after the restart to double their advantage. Odegaard threaded a precise pass through Senegal's defensive line, and Haaland, despite losing his balance, guided the ball expertly into the net.

Senegal offered an immediate response. In the 53rd minute, Ismaila Sarr muscled past defenders and finished from the centre of the box to cut the deficit to one. The Lions of Teranga had momentum and the crowd behind them — but Norway ended the revival swiftly.

Five minutes later, Patrick Berg won the ball back and found Haaland unmarked in front of goal. The Manchester City striker adjusted to a hip-high cross and diverted it home from close range, restoring Norway's two-goal cushion and effectively ending the contest as a fair fight.

The goal was Haaland's 4th in just 2 World Cup matches, taking his Norway tally to 59 goals in 52 appearances. He has now scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, netting 24 times during that extraordinary run.

Mendy injury and a late Sarr strike

Senegal's evening darkened further when Mendy was forced off through injury shortly after Norway's third goal, with Mory Diaw stepping in as replacement. It was yet another setback for a side already under intense pressure.

Still, Senegal refused to fold. Sarr led the charge in the closing stages, and in the 3rd minute of second-half stoppage time he struck again to make it 3-2. Norway held on through a nervy finale, and Senegal's spirited attempt at a comeback ultimately fell short.

A final-day lifeline — but little margin for error

Norway's qualification for the round of 32 is confirmed, with Erling Haaland firmly in the Golden Boot conversation alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Ståle Solbakken's side now face France in Boston, with both teams equal on six points. France lead Group I on goal difference and require only a draw to finish top.

Senegal travel to Toronto to face Iraq in their final group fixture, knowing that victory alone may not be sufficient. Having lost their opening match against France and now this defeat, the Lions of Teranga must win, score heavily, and rely on favourable results elsewhere to escape the group — a tall order for any side at this stage of a World Cup.