Senegal’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major setback after a narrow 3-2 defeat to Norway, leaving the Teranga Lions on the brink of elimination.
The Scandinavian side made a bright start to the encounter and took the lead through Holmegren before star striker Erling Haaland doubled the advantage to give Norway a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Senegal responded positively after halftime, with Ismaïla Sarr pulling a goal back early in the second half to reduce the deficit.
However, Haaland struck again to restore Norway’s two-goal cushion and make it 3-1, putting the Scandinavian nation firmly in control of the contest.
Sarr scored his second goal of the match late on to set up a tense finish, but Senegal were unable to find an equaliser as Norway held on for a crucial 3-2 victory.
The result leaves Senegal in a difficult position in the group, with their qualification hopes now hanging by a thread.
The Teranga Lions must defeat Iraq by a convincing margin in their final group game and hope other results go their way to stand a chance of reaching the Round of 16.
