Norway will look to take a major step towards the World Cup 2026 knockout stages when they face Senegal in East Rutherford on Monday.
The Scandinavians sit top of Group I after an impressive win over Iraq, while Senegal suffered a narrow defeat against France despite producing an encouraging display.
With France and Iraq meeting elsewhere in the group, this fixture could have a significant impact on the battlefor second spot.
Norway made a statement in their first World Cup match since 1998 by sweeping aside Iraq 4-1. Erling Haaland led the way with a first-half brace, continuing the prolific form that helped Norway win all eight of their qualifying matches.
Stale Solbakken’s side showed the attacking quality that has made them one of the most dangerous teams outside the tournament favourites. Norway have now scored 41 goals across their last nine competitive matches and head into this contest unbeaten in four games.
A second win would guarantee their place in the round of 32, regardless of the outcome between France and Iraq, and confidence within the squad will be high after such a convincing start.
Senegal may have lost 3-1 to France in their opening fixture, but the scoreline did not fully reflect their performance. The Lions of Teranga caused problems for the 2022 runners-up throughout the contest and were rewarded with a historic goal from teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye.
The African side also have positive memories against Norway, having won the only previous meeting between the nations 2-1 in a friendly back in 2006.
Team news for Norway vs Senegal
Norway are expected to have a fully fit squad available despite minor concerns following their victory over Iraq.
David Moller Wolfe was forced off during the match, while Julian Ryerson experienced muscular fatigue after full time, but both players are expected to be available.
Haaland remains the focal point of Norway’s attack after extending his international scoring streak to 11 matches. Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes should continue in midfield behind the front three.
Senegal are also expected to have no major injury concerns.
Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye is pushing for a starting place after becoming the youngest African player to score at a World Cup with his goal against France. However, Pape Thiaw may opt to stick with the same front three of Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane.
Experienced midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye are likely to continue in the centre of the park, while Kalidou Koulibaly will marshal the defence.
Expected line-ups for Norway vs Senegal
Norway starting XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
Senegal starting XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane
Where to watch Norway vs Senegal: TV channel, online live stream
The match kicks off on Monday, June 22 in East Rutherford. However, the game takes place at 01:00 BST on Tuesday morning in the UK.
In the UK, the match will be broadcast on ITV. Fans will be able to stream the game on ITVX.
Norway vs Senegal stats
- Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening World Cup match
- Erling Haaland scored twice against Iraq and has now scored in 11 consecutive international appearances
- Norway have lost only one of their last six matches in all competitions
- The Scandinavians won all eight of their World Cup qualifying matches
- Senegal lost 3-1 to France in their Group I opener
- Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history against France
- Senegal have failed to win any of their last three matches
- Norway and Senegal have met once previously, with Senegal winning 2-1 in 2006
- Norway are aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 1998
- Senegal have qualified from the group stage in two of their last three World Cup appearances
Prediction for Norway vs Senegal
Both teams possess significant attacking quality but have shown vulnerabilities defensively in recent matches.
Norway’s front line, led by Haaland, is capable of causing problems for any defence, while Senegal’s pace and physicality in attack make them a constant threat.
With qualification implications hanging over the contest, an entertaining draw looks a strong possibility.
Prediction: Norway 2-2 Senegal
