2026 FIFA World Cup — Group I, Matchday 2 | June 22 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The last time Norway played a World Cup knockout match, Erling Haaland had not been born.
It was 1998. France was the host. Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the group stage, advanced to the Round of 16, and lost to Italy. Then came 24 years of waiting. Three failed qualification campaigns. A generation of Norwegian footballers who never got to play on the biggest stage.
And then came Haaland.
On a warm June night in New Jersey, the 25-year-old scored twice — his third and fourth goals of this World Cup — and Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to end the 28-year drought. They are through to the knockout stage. And Haaland is the reason why.
The Man Who Changed Everything
Two matches. Four goals. Two braces. Haaland has scored more World Cup goals in eight days than any Norwegian player had scored in the entire history of the tournament before him.
His first goal against Senegal was a thing of beauty — a perfectly timed run, a perfectly weighted pass from Martin Odegaard, a perfectly placed finish into the far corner. His second was a poacher’s goal — alert to Kalidou Koulibaly’s error, quick to react, clinical in execution.
The contrast between the two goals tells you everything about Haaland. He can be the artist. He can be the predator. He is always lethal.
Group I Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 6 |
| 2 | Norway | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 6 |
| 3 | Senegal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
| 4 | Iraq | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Match Details:
- Norway 3-2 Senegal
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
- Goals: Pedersen 43′, Haaland 48′ (assist: Odegaard), Sarr 53′ (assist: Mane), Haaland 58′, Sarr 90+3′ (assist: Jackson)
- Man of the Match: Erling Haaland (Norway)