Haaland Scores Brace, Wins Back-to-Back FIFA Man of the Match Awards as Norway Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

• Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 to book their place in the World Cup Round of 32, before celebrating with fans by performing their now-viral ‘Viking Row’ inside MetLife Stadium.

Erling Haaland continued his sensational form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice to inspire Norway to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal and secure a place in the Round of 32.

The win, achieved on Monday night at MetLife Stadium, ensured Norway’s progression from Group I and sparked emotional celebrations between the players and their supporters after the final whistle.

In one of the tournament’s most memorable scenes, Norway’s players and coaching staff gathered in formation before joining thousands of fans in performing the famous ‘Viking Row’—chanting “Ro!” while mimicking rowing movements.

“It was fun for the players to join in,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said. “We will not be rowing after the World Cup, but this will be a gimmick throughout the tournament.”

Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through Marcus Pedersen, who capitalised on defensive errors from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

Haaland then took over.

The Manchester City striker doubled Norway’s lead in the 48th minute after racing onto a brilliant pass from captain Martin Ødegaard before calmly slotting the ball past Mendy.

Just ten minutes later, Haaland struck again, volleying Patrick Berg’s pass into the net to make it 3-1 and send the Norwegian fans into celebration mode.

Senegal fought back through a brace from Ismaïla Sarr, who scored in the 53rd minute and again deep into stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to deny Norway their historic qualification.

The two goals took Haaland’s tally at this World Cup to four, placing him just one goal behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and level with France star Kylian Mbappé.

Even more impressively, Haaland has now scored 24 goals in his last 12 international matches and has found the net in every one of those games. The 25-year-old also boasts an incredible record of 59 goals in just 52 appearances for Norway.

According to FIFA statistics, Haaland joins England’s Harry Kane as the only players in the last 50 years to score two goals in each of their first two World Cup appearances.

Norway, making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, now sit on six points and are guaranteed a place in the knockout stages alongside France.

The Vikings will face Les Bleus in their final group game to determine who finishes top of Group I and potentially earns a more favourable route in the knockout rounds.

For Senegal, the defeat leaves their hopes hanging by a thread. The Lions of Teranga have lost their opening two matches and must beat Iraq in their final group game while hoping other results go their way to stand any chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.

As for Haaland and Norway, the dream continues—and judging by the scenes inside MetLife Stadium, the Viking Row may be rowing much deeper into this World Cup.