Haaland’s Ruthless Double Sends Norway Into Last 32

Erling Haaland doesn’t do nerves, and he doesn’t do quiet. On a sweltering evening in Boston, the Manchester City striker stamped his authority on the biggest stage in football, scoring twice as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 in a breathless Group I showdown. Four goals in two World Cup games. A record that stretches back half a century. Haaland arrived at the 2026 World Cup as a golden boot favourite, and game by game he is delivering on that billing. Norway advance to the round of 32 alongside France, though Senegal’s spirited comeback ensured they had to earn every last second of that passage.

Holmgren Pedersen broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, but it was after the restart that Haaland seized control. Martin Odegaard’s incisive through ball released the striker in the 48th minute, and Haaland buried it with trademark ferocity past Edouard Mendy. Ten minutes later he was at it again, steering a volley off the underside of the crossbar from Patrick Berg’s cross to make it 3-1 and seemingly put the game to bed. Sarr reduced the deficit before the hour, then stabbed home in stoppage time to make it a nervy final few minutes. Norway held on — but Haaland’s clinical brilliance had delivered them.

With four goals in his first two World Cup appearances, Haaland has joined Harry Kane as only the second player in 50 years to score twice in each of his opening two tournament games. His 59 international goals in 52 Norway appearances already represent a national record, but the World Cup spotlight is another level entirely. The Golden Boot standings now read: Messi five goals, Haaland and Mbappe four apiece. Norway — a genuine surprise in this expanded 48-team field — head into the knockout stage built around one of the most deadly finishers the game has produced. Whoever draws them in the last 32 will have every reason for concern.

Norway’s path through the knockouts won’t get easier, but with Haaland in this form nothing feels beyond them. He has a rare ability to turn matches before opponents have even drawn breath, and that quality will be essential as the pressure escalates. Coach Stale Solbakken will demand sharper defensive discipline after conceding twice to Senegal, but right now the machine at the top of Norway’s attack is running at full throttle. Whoever faces them next has been warned.