On Monday, June 22, Norway and Senegal will be heading to the Meadowlands to play in their second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two teams have had very different journeys throughout the tournament so far, with Norway winning its first match, while Senegal lost. The match has significant implications for both teams, as they fight to advance to the round of 32.
Norway
In the team’s first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway walked away victorious, comfortably defeating Iraq by a score of 4-1. The game’s scoring was opened by Norway striker, Erling Haaland, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Haaland gave Norway a quick 1-0 lead and once Iraq responded to make it 1-1, Haaland scored again minutes later to retake the lead. From there, Norway never looked back and went on to win their first World Cup match in over two decades.
Norway is currently ranked as the 27th best team in the world by FIFA, a spot that the team hasn’t held in over 12 years. Norway’s resurgence to a world-class program has been largely aided by Erling Haaland, who has been on a historic run with his squad. Haaland became the fastest player to reach 50 international goals, doing so in 25 fewer games than the previous record holder. Haaland is also the all-time leading goalscorer for Norway, having recorded 57 goals, a significant increase from the 33 goals that second place holds. Haaland seems poised to only continue distancing his lead after his performance against Iraq.
Another integral piece of Norway’s squad is captain Martin Ødegaard, a leader for the team who has played a key role in their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the tournament continues, Norway will lean on their star players to help them advance out of the group stages and beyond.
Senegal
Senegal’s opening group stage match took place in the Meadowlands and did not go as the team had hoped. However, when facing a France squad that is currently ranked as the second best team in the world, a win is very challenging. France defeated Senegal by a score of 3-1, with Kylian Mbappé being responsible for two of the three French goals.
Senegal will play at the Meadowlands once again, this time hoping for a better result. Senegal is ranked above Norway by FIFA, as the 16th best team in the world, giving the team favorable chances to secure a win. Senegal has had more recent success in the tournament than their opponent, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup marking their third consecutive appearance in the tournament. At the 2022 rendition of the tournament, Senegal was able to advance past the group stages, which they will hope to replicate this year.
History of Norway vs. Senegal
Norway and Senegal have only encountered one another once, with their lone matchup coming in 2006 from an international friendly match. The game resulted in a 2-1 win for Senegal, meaning that they currently lead Norway all-time. This will be the first time that the nations are facing each other in a competitive match, with much on the line for both teams. For Norway, a win all but guarantees them a spot to move on, while a loss for Senegal would be devastating for their chances to advance in the tournament.
