Norway booked their place in the World Cup’s round of 32 with a match to spare, defeating Senegal 3-2 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on the back of another two-goal performance from Erling Haaland. The result, combined with France’s 3-0 win over Iraq, means both European sides have six points in Group I and will meet in Boston on Friday to decide top spot. For Senegal, the defeat leaves them without a point and needing to beat Iraq in their final game while hoping other results fall their way to squeeze through as one of the best third-placed teams.

The contest turned on a defensive error three minutes before half-time. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly miscued a clearance straight to substitute right-back Marcus Pedersen, who had entered early for the injured Julian Ryerson, and his low drive crept under goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Haaland, who had earlier struck the post after dispossessing Mendy, doubled the lead in the 48th minute, racing onto Martin Ødegaard’s through ball and rifling a left-footed finish into the top corner. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal five minutes later, poking home after a clever Sadio Mané flick, but Haaland restored the two-goal cushion almost immediately, volleying Patrick Berg’s cross in off the underside of the bar with his weaker right foot. Sarr’s second deep in stoppage time set up a nervy finale, yet Norway held on.

Haaland’s four goals in two matches have made him the tournament’s joint second-highest scorer alongside Kylian Mbappé, one behind Lionel Messi. European analysts note that the Manchester City striker has now scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, with at least two goals in each of the last six, taking his Norway tally to 59 in 52 appearances. Viewed from Dakar, the focus fell on Senegal’s uncharacteristic defensive lapses—Koulibaly was culpable for two of the goals—and the fact that the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winners have now conceded at least once in 13 straight World Cup matches. In Baghdad, Iraq’s elimination was confirmed, leaving the final group fixture a battle for pride and a slim third-place lifeline.

Norway’s progress marks a sharp break with the past. Before this tournament, the nation had not appeared at a World Cup since 1998 and had won only two matches in their entire history at the finals. Now they have recorded back-to-back victories over Iraq and Senegal, with Haaland already their all-time leading scorer at the tournament. The Norwegian fans’ “Viking row” chant, performed en masse behind the goal after Haaland’s second, provided a vivid backdrop to a team that, in the words of their coach Stale Solbakken, is “enjoying” its return to the global stage.

The group’s final round will see Norway face France in a direct duel for first place, with Les Bleus holding a superior goal difference and therefore needing only a draw to top the group. Senegal, meanwhile, must defeat Iraq and hope that three points and a repaired goal difference will be enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed sides. The African side’s fate is no longer in its own hands.