Haaland Fires Norway Into Last 32 With Stunning Brace

Erling Haaland arrived at the 2026 World Cup with something to prove on the grandest stage — and he is proving it in emphatic fashion. The Manchester City striker produced another devastating two-goal display as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Four goals in two games. A last-32 spot sealed. A Golden Boot race that has never looked more captivating.

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen got Norway moving with a composed finish before the break, and Haaland doubled the lead moments after half-time with his trademark clinical power. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal with a fine individual effort, but Haaland punished more slack defending to restore Norway’s two-goal cushion. A late Sarr consolation made it nervy, but the Norwegians held firm and advanced with authority.

Haaland joins a tiny group of players to score braces in each of his first two World Cup games in the past 50 years. He sits just behind Messi in the Golden Boot standings — though the Argentine legend’s record-breaking 18 career goals cast a long shadow. Norway can now rotate their squad for their final group match knowing the knockout ticket is already punched. Haaland, rested, will be feared by whoever awaits in the last 32.

Norway’s World Cup journey is just warming up. With Haaland firing at this rate and a squad that defends with grit, the rest of the draw is on notice. If the striker keeps this pace, the Golden Boot is already halfway to Oslo — and a deep knockout run looks very much within reach.