Norway will look to continue their remarkable run of form and book their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Meanwhile, the Lions of Teranga know that another defeat could leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Match News and Current Form

Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence could hardly have started better. Ståle Solbakken’s side produced a dominant display to defeat Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group D fixture, further strengthening the belief that they could be one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

The Scandinavians have been in exceptional form for some time. Having won all eight of their qualifying matches, Norway are now riding an 11-match winning streak in competitive internationals, scoring an astonishing 50 goals during that run. Another victory here would not only secure progression to the knockout rounds but also mark the first time Norway have won two matches at a major international tournament.

Senegal, by contrast, find themselves under pressure after a 3-1 defeat to France in their opening fixture. While they competed well for long periods, the quality of the two-time world champions ultimately proved decisive.

That result extended Senegal’s winless run to three matches (D1, L2), their longest such streak since January 2023. It also marked a third consecutive World Cup defeat against European opposition. However, Pape Thiaw’s side can take encouragement from the fact that they have not lost a competitive match to a nation currently ranked below them by FIFA since January 2024.

Head-to-Head Record

The two nations have met only once before, with Senegal recording a 2-1 victory in a friendly encounter back in 2006.

Key Statistics

• Thirteen of Norway’s last 14 competitive internationals have produced over 2.5 goals.
• Norway have scored 12 of their last 14 goals in competitive matches after half-time.
• Senegal have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 12 World Cup matches.
• Three of Senegal’s last four fixtures have featured over 3.5 goals.

Players to Watch

Erling Haaland remains Norway’s talisman and arrives in frightening form. The prolific striker has scored in 11 consecutive competitive appearances for his country, netting 22 goals during that period. Even more impressively, he has scored at least twice in each of his last five competitive outings.

For Senegal, teenager Ibrahim Mbaye continues to make headlines. His goal against France made him the youngest African player ever to score at a World Cup. The young forward now has the opportunity to become the first teenager in tournament history to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances.

Team News

Both managers appear to have fully fit squads available, with no fresh injury concerns reported ahead of the encounter.

Prediction

Norway’s confidence is sky-high after their emphatic victory over Iraq, and with Haaland leading an attack that has been scoring freely for over a year, they will fancy their chances of securing qualification with a game to spare. Senegal possess enough quality to pose problems going forward, but their defensive vulnerabilities at World Cups remain a concern.

Given the attacking talent on display and the recent trends surrounding both teams, another entertaining contest looks likely.

Prediction: Norway 3-1 Senegal

Betting Tip: Norway to win and over 2.5 goals.