Norway
Norway vs Senegal brings Group I of FIFA World Cup 2026 to New York New Jersey Stadium. The match is on Monday, June 22, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM ET. That is 12:00 AM UTC on Tuesday, June 23.
Norway opened with a 4-1 win over Iraq as Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut. Senegal lost 3-1 to France, but Ibrahim Mbaye's late goal showed the Lions of Teranga still carry real attacking threat.
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, June 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 8:00 PM ET / 12:00 AM UTC / 8:00 PM New Jersey |
| Venue | New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Group | Group I |
| Referee | Wilton Sampaio |
Norway Preview
Norway - Current Form, Key Players, and Likely Lineup
Norway enter New Jersey at the top of Group I after a forceful opening win over Iraq. Haaland scored twice, while Martin Odegaard and Antonio Nusa gave Stale Solbakken's attack different routes into the box.
David Moller Wolfe and Julian Ryerson both had concerns after the opener, but Sports Mole reports that both recovered quickly. The likely setup keeps Haaland and Alexander Sorloth together, with Odegaard drifting inside from the right.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Orjan Nyland |
| RB | Julian Ryerson |
| CB | Torbjorn Heggem |
| CB | Kristoffer Ajer |
| LB | David Moller Wolfe |
| RM | Martin Odegaard |
| CM | Sander Berge |
| CM | Fredrik Aursnes |
| LM | Antonio Nusa |
| ST | Alexander Sorloth |
| ST | Erling Haaland |
Senegal Preview
Senegal - Current Form, Key Players, and Likely Lineup
Senegal need points after losing to France, but the performance still had useful signs. Mbaye became the youngest African scorer at a World Cup, while Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson kept France's defenders occupied.
Pape Thiaw is expected to have a fit squad, so selection is more tactical than medical. Ismaila Sarr should keep his place, though Habib Diarra is another option if Senegal want more central running behind Jackson.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Edouard Mendy |
| RB | Krepin Diatta |
| CB | Kalidou Koulibaly |
| CB | Moussa Niakhate |
| LB | El Hadji Malick Diouf |
| CM | Lamine Camara |
| CM | Idrissa Gueye |
| CM | Pape Gueye |
| RW | Ismaila Sarr |
| ST | Nicolas Jackson |
| LW | Sadio Mane |
Head to Head Record
Norway and Senegal have met once before in senior men's football. Senegal won that friendly 2-1 on March 1, 2006, so this World Cup match is their second senior meeting.
The history is too small to decide the prediction, but it gives Senegal the only past win. Norway now bring the better group position after scoring four against Iraq.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Senior Meetings | 1 |
| Norway Wins | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Senegal Wins | 1 |
| Last Meeting | 1 March 2006 - Senegal 2-1 Norway |
| Last World Cup Meeting | No previous World Cup meeting |
Key Players to Watch
Haaland is the main Norway threat because one clean cross or loose clearance can become a goal. Odegaard also matters because Senegal cannot let him dictate passes into Haaland and Sorloth.
Senegal need Mane to attack the space behind Ryerson and pull Norway's back line sideways. Koulibaly is just as important because he must win first contact against Haaland without dragging the whole block too deep.
Key Battle to Watch
The key battle is Haaland against Koulibaly and Niakhate. Norway will look early for crosses, cutbacks, and second balls around the penalty spot. Senegal's center-backs cannot lose sight of Sorloth either.
Senegal's best reply is to move the ball quickly into Mane and Sarr before Norway settle into their shape. If those outlets carry the first pass cleanly, Norway may have to defend longer spells than they did against Iraq.
Norway vs Senegal Prediction
Norway have the stronger early group position and the most ruthless finisher on the pitch. Senegal have enough pace and tournament experience to stop this becoming a simple Norway control game.
This should be closer than Norway's opener because Senegal can attack transition spaces with better quality. A draw keeps both teams alive, but Norway's front two still give them the slight edge. Predicted score: Norway 2-1 Senegal.
Norway vs Senegal Prediction Factors
The pick leans on Norway's opening form, Haaland's finishing, and Senegal's need to chase points. If Senegal score first, the match can swing toward a high-tempo draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Norway vs Senegal kickoff?
Norway vs Senegal kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on Monday, June 22, 2026. The UTC kickoff is 12:00 AM on Tuesday, June 23.
Who is the referee for Norway vs Senegal?
FIFA lists Wilton Sampaio as the referee for Norway vs Senegal. The match is Group I Match 41 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Who are the key players in Norway vs Senegal?
Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, and Antonio Nusa are key for Norway. Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Nicolas Jackson, and Edouard Mendy are central for Senegal.
What is the head-to-head record between Norway and Senegal?
Senegal have one win from the only previous senior meeting with Norway. Senegal beat Norway 2-1 in a friendly on March 1, 2006.
What is the Norway vs Senegal prediction?
Norway are the narrow pick because Haaland and Sorloth give them a stronger penalty-box threat. The predicted score is a 2-1 Norway win.
Norway can take a major step toward the knockouts if Haaland keeps converting the service around him.
Senegal have enough pace and experience to make this tight, but Norway's current scoring form gives them a narrow edge.
Read Also: Norway vs Senegal Live Stream - Replay Guide | Norway vs Senegal Live Score - Final 3-2 | Norway vs Senegal Lineups - Confirmed XIs
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