Overview
Norway continues to show impressive form that once helped them win all of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when defeating Iraq 4-1 in the opening match.
Erling Haaland was the focus with a double right in his first start at the World Cup. Leo Ostigard then scored another header before Aymen Hussein scored an own goal, helping the Northern European representative win convincingly at Gillette Stadium.
Thanks to a better goal difference than France, Norway currently leads Group I and will soon win a ticket to the round of 32 if they defeat Senegal in the second match, regardless of the result of the France match against Iraq.
The victory over Iraq not only brought an advantage in the rankings but also helped Stale Solbakken's team regain confidence after a period of preparation that was not really convincing. They have only won one of their last 4 friendly matches.
However, the defense is still something that Norway is worried about. They have only kept a clean sheet in one of their last seven appearances in all competitions, and have conceded goals in 3 consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Senegal is facing the risk of going through their fourth consecutive match without knowing the taste of victory after losing 1-3 to France in the opening match.
Coach Pape Thiaw was once a member of the Senegalese national team that defeated France 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup, but this time he could not witness his team create a surprise. Kylian Mbappe's double and Bradley Barcola's goal made Ibrahim Mbaye's goal only have honorary meaning.
After one match, the opportunity to advance is still intact for all teams in Group I. However, if Senegal continues to lose to Norway and France wins at least one point against Iraq, the African representative will not be able to finish the group stage in a higher third position.
Senegal entered this match after a series of not very positive results, including a 2-3 defeat to the USA, a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia and a defeat to France. If they do not beat Norway, they will experience their first consecutive 4-match winless streak since June 2018.
Head-to-head history is bringing some hope to Senegal. In the only meeting between the two teams in 2006, the African representative won 2-1 thanks to goals from Moussa Ndiaye and Babacar M'Baye Gueye.
Personnel situation
Norway entered the match against Senegal without much concern about the force. In the victory over Iraq, David Moller Wolfe had to leave the field in the 73rd minute, while Julian Ryerson complained about muscle overload after the match. However, both recovered quickly and were expected to be fit enough to play, helping Solbakken have the strongest squad.
On the other side, Senegal also has a full force for this important confrontation. The biggest problem for Pape Thiaw lies in choosing personnel in attack.
Expected lineup:
Norway: Nyland, Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Wolfe, Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes, Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf, Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Sarr, Jackson, Mane.
The match between Norway and Senegal takes place at 7:00 AM on June 23rd (Vietnam time).
