Norway’s other World Cup match is against Senegal who are playing in their last group game of the 2026 World Cup. A lot will be decided on Tuesday in East Rutherford.
There are two very strong teams that meet, but Norway is more in the flow zone than Senegal is. – There are rumours of frustration in the Senegal squad, but we seem to be ready to row in another game.
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Norway can take a giant step towards the knockout stages when they face Senegal on Monday. Norway tops Group I after a convincing win over Iraq, while Senegal narrowly lost to France despite an uplifting effort.
With France and Iraq meeting a few hours before, this match could be crucial for the battle for second place. (The whole world has already awarded first place to France)
Norway made a big splash in their first World Cup match since 1998, with a 4-1 win over Iraq a dream start, and Erling Haaland led the way with two goals in the first half. His goalscoring form continues to be phenomenal – he has now scored in 11 straight international matches, helping Norway win all eight qualifying matches.
Ståle Solbakken’s team showed the offensive quality that has made them one of the most dangerous teams outside of the tournament’s favorites. Norway has scored 41 goals in their last nine official matches – an average that scares the waters off most opponents. With one more victory, they can secure advancement, regardless of what happens between France and Iraq.
Senegal lost – but showed their teeth
Senegal did lose 3-1 to France in their opening match, but the result was flattering for the French. The ‘Lions of Teranga’ caused problems for the 2022 finalists throughout the match, and were rewarded with a historic goal from teenage striker Ibrahim Mbaye – the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history.
The African team also has good memories from meetings with Norway. The only previous meeting between the nations ended in a 2-1 win for Senegal in a friendly in 2006. Can history repeat itself?
Team news: Norway full – Senegal with teenage jewel
Norway is expected to have a complete squad available despite some minor concerns after the victory over Iraq. David Møller Wolfe had to go off during the game, while Julian Ryerson struggled with muscle fatigue after full-time. Both are expected to be ready for the game.
Haaland is still the focal point of Norway’s attack, and behind him, Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes should form the midfield behind the front three.
Senegal also have no major injury problems to report.
Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye is fighting for a starting spot after his historic goal against France. However, coach Pape Thiaw may choose to stick with the same front three: Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mané – a trio that can intimidate any defence.
Experienced midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye are expected to continue, while Kalidou Koulibaly leads the defence with all his authority.
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Predicted starting line-ups
Norway (4-2-3-1):
Nyland – Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Wolfe – Ødegaard, Berge, Aursnes – Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa
Senegal (4-3-3):
Mendy – Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf – Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye – Sarr, Jackson, Mané
Where to watch Norway vs Senegal?
You can watch the match on NRK1.
Key figures before the match
- Norway beat Iraq 4-1 in the opening match – their first World Cup match since 1998.
- Erling Haaland scored two goals and has now scored in 11 straight international matches.
- Norway has only lost one of their last six games in all competitions.
- The Scandinavians won all eight World Cup qualifiers.
- Senegal lost 3–1 to France in their first match in Group I.
- Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history.
- Senegal have not won any of their last three games.
- Norway and Senegal have met once before – Senegal won 2-1 in 2006.
- Norway is aiming for the knockout stages for the first time since 1998.
- Senegal have qualified from the group stage in two of their last three World Cup participations.
Our prediction: Goals, entertainment – and shared benefits?
Both teams have world-class attacking quality, but both have also shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent games.
Norway’s attack, led by an unstoppable Haaland, can create problems for any defence. At the same time, Senegal’s speed and physicality in attack make them a constant threat – especially with Mané, Jackson and Sarr on the move.
With qualification as a stake and two teams that would rather attack, a lot points towards an entertaining affair.
Our prediction: Norway 3-2 Senegal, the rest of the world believes in a draw.
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