Norway will be looking to maintain their winning momentum when they take on Senegal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium on Monday. The teams are in Group I alongside heavyweights France and 2007 AFC Asian Cup winners, Iraq.
Norway made their return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years in style, beating Iraq 4-1 at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, 16 June.
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Star striker Erling Haaland scored a first-half brace, while Iraq managed to score through Aymen Hussein, with the score 2-1 at halftime.
The Lions guaranteed the three points with a couple more goals in the second half, as Leo Ostigard netted in the 76th minute before Hussein’s own goal in the 96th minute finalized matters at 4-1 in favor of Stale Solbakken’s men.
That victory earned Norway top spot in Group I with three points and a better goal difference than second-placed France. Senegal and Iraq remain in the bottom two places with no points as yet.
Meanwhile, Senegal put up a good fight but lost 3-1 to tournament favorites France at New York New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday, 16 June.
After a goalless first half, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe scored a sublime second-half brace alongside an 82nd-minute strike for Bradley Barcola.
Ibrahim Mbaye scored for the Teranga Lions in the 95th minute, but the damage had already been done, and Les Bleus left New York with all three points.
Senegal will be aware of the importance of this match against the Norwegians following their loss in the opener, and they will be determined to win at all costs.
After this match, Norway will take on France, while Senegal are set to face Iraq in their final group-stage matches on Friday, 26 June.
Norway vs Senegal head-to-head stats and key numbers
- Norway and Senegal have faced each other only once back in 2006, with the Africans emerging 2-1 victors on that occasion in Oslo.
- Norway and Senegal have both qualified for the FIFA World Cup on four occasions, including the current tournament.
- Senegal are ranked 16th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, while Norway are in 27th position (rankings correct at the time of publication).
Norway vs Senegal prediction
Norway typically dominate possession and press high with excellent passing and crosses from the wings to create goal-scoring opportunities for Alexander Sorloth and Haaland. After scoring twice against Iraq, the Man City forward will have the Golden Boot in mind.
This is a virtual must-win match for Senegal, because a second loss would make progress from the group difficult.
Senegal are expected to defend in numbers to absorb pressure, while relying on quick transitions and the pace of attacking players Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, and Nicolas Jackson to hurt Norway on the counterattack.
We anticipate an entertaining and high-scoring game that ends in favor of Norway.
Prediction: Norway 3-2 Senegal
Norway vs Senegal betting tips
Tip 1: Norway to win
Tip 2: Both teams to score
Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli