Erling Haaland continued his prolific scoring form as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to secure qualification for the World Cup round of 32 with a game to spare.
The Manchester City striker scored twice in the second half in New Jersey, helping Norway maintain their perfect start to the tournament and book their place in the knockout phase alongside France.
The victory leaves Norway on six points from two matches, while Senegal must now beat Iraq in their final group fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Norway take control after first-half breakthrough
Norway had the better of the early exchanges and eventually found the breakthrough late in the first half.
Substitute Marcus Pedersen capitalised on a poor clearance from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly to fire his side into a deserved lead.
The Scandinavian side carried that performance into the second half, with captain Martin Odegaard orchestrating attacks from midfield.
Just three minutes after the restart, Odegaard delivered a precise through ball that released Haaland, who raced clear and finished confidently to double Norway’s advantage.
The goal saw Haaland become Norway’s highest-scoring player in World Cup history.
Haaland’s brilliance proves decisive
Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr, whose finish reduced the deficit and briefly revived hopes of a comeback.
However, Haaland quickly restored Norway’s two-goal cushion. The striker met a delivery with a side-footed volley that clipped the crossbar before finding the net.
The goal was his fourth of the tournament in only two appearances, strengthening his position among the competition’s leading scorers.
Sarr grabbed a second goal deep into stoppage time to set up a tense finish, and the Crystal Palace winger nearly completed a dramatic comeback moments later but headed over the crossbar from close range.
Qualification secured
While the closing stages were nervy, Norway’s overall performance justified the result.
Haaland’s contribution once again underlined his importance to the team, with the 25-year-old now scoring in 12 consecutive competitive matches for his country.
Norway will face France in their final Group I match to determine the group winner, with both nations already assured of progression.
Senegal, meanwhile, must defeat Iraq and hope results elsewhere favour them if they are to reach the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.
