Haaland's brace sends Norway into last 32 in WC

Erling Haaland scored twice for the second consecutive match to help Norway claim a second straight win in Group I with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on early Tuesday (Finnish time), securing a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, reported Xinhua.

Norway started its World Cup campaign strongly with a 4-1 victory over Iraq, when Haaland also scored twice, while Senegal lost 3-1 to France in its opener.

Norway broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, when Kalidou Koulibaly passed straight to substitute Marcus Pedersen before the 25-year-old fired home.

Only three minutes into the second half, Martin Odegaard sent a pinpoint pass to the feet of Haaland, who lifted a powerful finish high past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Senegal responded five minutes later, when Sadio Mane's pass found Ismaila Sarr, whose shot went past goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Norway regained a two-goal lead in the 58th minute, when Haaland volleyed Patrick Berg's cross off the underside of the bar and into the net.

Sarr scored again for Senegal in the 93rd minute, but the Lions of Teranga failed to find an equalizer.

"It was tough. We're a little disappointed. But it's not over yet, there's still a third game to play. We're going to go there to win it, and we're going to work hard," Sarr said after the match.

France and Norway will meet in the final group match to determine the group winner, with Kylian Mbappe and Haaland set for a highly anticipated showdown.

"We are making history, and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian," Haaland said.

Senegal and Iraq, both having lost their first two matches, will face each other in their final group game with their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams still alive.