Norway striker Erling Haaland continued his remarkable scoring form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting twice as the Scandinavian side secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The Manchester City forward took his tournament tally to four goals, becoming only the second player in the last five decades to score two goals in each of his first two World Cup matches, matching the feat achieved by Harry Kane in 2018.
Norway had taken the lead shortly before halftime through Marcus Pedersen, who was introduced early in the game after Julian Ryerson suffered an injury.
Pedersen capitalised on defensive lapses from Senegal and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to put the Vikings ahead in the 43rd minute.
Haaland doubled Norway’s advantage three minutes into the second half. Latching onto a precise pass from captain Martin Ødegaard, he raced clear before calmly firing beyond Mendy to complete a swift counterattack.
Senegal briefly reduced the deficit through Ismaïla Sarr in the 53rd minute, but Haaland restored Norway’s two-goal cushion five minutes later.
The prolific striker burst through the defence and expertly volleyed Patrick Berg’s delivery into the net from close range.
The goal sparked celebrations among Norway’s travelling supporters, who responded with the traditional Viking Row chant behind the goal.
Haaland has now scored 24 goals in his last 12 international appearances and has found the net in every one of those matches. His overall tally stands at 53 goals in 58 games for Norway.
He is currently second in the World Cup Golden Boot race, one goal behind Lionel Messi and level with Kylian Mbappé.
The 24-year-old nearly completed a hat-trick before the break when he struck the post after Mendy failed to control the ball.
Senegal fought back late in the contest, with Sarr grabbing his second goal in stoppage time to make the final minutes tense for Norway.
However, the Lions of Teranga were unable to complete a comeback.
The victory guarantees Norway’s place in the knockout stage from Group I alongside France.
The Vikings, appearing in their first World Cup since 1998, will face Les Bleus on Friday with top spot in the group at stake.
For Senegal, the defeat leaves them without a point after two matches. While elimination has not yet been confirmed, they must beat Iraq in their final group game and rely on other results to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Adding to Senegal’s concerns, goalkeeper Mendy was forced off with an injury in the 63rd minute after an evening that included a costly error for Norway’s opening goal.
