Norway vs Senegal
Norway have momentarily taken the top spot in Group I, as their 4-1 win over Iraq in their World Cup 2026 opener gave them a slender lead in goal difference over France, who also won 3-1 against Senegal last weekend. With these two teams level at three points, Norway and France are one step closer to reaching the knockouts.
This has been the ideal start for Erling Haaland, who is among those making their World Cup debuts. The Manchester City striker stole the show in the Vikings’ opener, and he’ll look to do the same against the Teranga Lions.
After France face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, Norway will take on Senegal in the other Group I contest at MetLife Stadium. This is arguably one of the most hyped matches on matchday three due to the collective star power of these two squads.
Learn more about these two teams, courtesy of this SBOTOP preview.
Talking Points
Haaland on a rampage for Norway
You couldn’t have written a better script for Erling Haaland, who announced his arrival at the World Cup by making history for Norway. By bagging a brace against Iraq, the Manchester City striker became the first player to score multiple goals for the Vikings in his finals debut. He has also scored in his 11 competitive appearances for the national team dating back to November 2024.
After enduring Iraq’s lively start, Norway took the lead through Haaland before the half-hour mark. And when Aymen Hussein scored the equaliser 10 minutes later, Haaland gave the lead back to Norway for good, as he closed down goalkeeper Jalal Hassan and deflected his clearance into the back of the net.
With two goals, Haaland is one of the early frontrunners for the tournament’s Golden Boot, with only Lionel Messi and Jonathan David ahead of him. The Premier League Golden Boot winner will continue to have his chances, especially with Martin Odegaard and David Moller Wolfe providing him service in the final third.
Besides Haaland, Senegal will also have to worry about Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth up front. Norway also has Jorgen Strand Larsen as a backup for Haaland.
Mbaye shows promise for Senegal
Ibrahim Mbaye was the bright spot for Senegal, as he scored the team’s only goal during their tough defeat against France. The 18-year-old winger came off the bench and provided quality minutes, so he’s in consideration to start up front against Norway.
Mbaye became the youngest African player to score in the World Cup, breaking Moussa Wague’s record (19 days and 263 days) during their game against Japan in the 2018 edition. Since joining PSG in 2024, Mbaye has proven to be a winner, having accumulated two Ligue 1 titles and back-to-back Champions League titles, among others.
History
Monday marks only the second competitive meeting between Norway and Senegal. These two nations last squared off in an international friendly back in March 2006, when the Teranga Lions won 2-1.
Norway have the edge over Senegal in terms of recent form. The Vikings are on a five-game unbeaten run (D1), while the Teranga Lions have won only two of their last five (D1, L2).
Norway have only played in the World Cup three times before this year, having reached the Round of 16 in 1938 and 1998. They qualified for this year’s finals after dominating the UEFA qualifiers, winning all eight of their Group I matches and scoring 37 goals.
Senegal have also played in the World Cup three times before this year, having reached the Round of 16 in 2022. Similar to Norway, they qualified for this year’s finals after going undefeated in the CAF qualifiers (W7, D3).
Betting Tip
The World Cup 2026 odds expect a cagey affair between Norway and Senegal on Monday evening. The Vikings have the edge at 2.35, whereas the Teranga Lions aren’t far behind at 3.01, and a stalemate is valued at 3.30 in the 1X2 market.
Given their firepower, new World Cup 2026 highlights are inevitable from this contest, with Erling Haaland likely at the front and centre. Besides our recommended bet, punters may also add Over 2.25 at 1.76, Over 2.50 at 1.97, Over 2.75 at 2.26, and Total Goals 2-3 at 1.97. However, if you fancy Senegal’s chances to secure their first victory, check out the Correct Score of 2-1 in their favour – the result of their previous meeting – as it yields a tidy payout at 10.50 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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