New Jersey, June 23: Norway striker Erling Haaland continued his impressive start to the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring twice in Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal and setting multiple records in the process.
Haaland became only the sixth player in FIFA World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament. He joined a select group of players that includes Guillermo Stabile of Argentina, Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis, France’s Just Fontaine, Poland’s Grzegorz Lato and England captain Harry Kane.
Making his World Cup debut this year, the Manchester City forward has scored four goals in two matches. He also surpassed Kjetil Rekdal to become Norway’s highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with four goals compared to Rekdal’s two goals in seven appearances.
Haaland’s record for the national team also continued to improve. He has now scored 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway and has found the net in each of his last 12 competitive matches. He has scored in 18 of Norway’s previous 21 competitive fixtures.
Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. Haaland doubled the advantage three minutes into the second half before adding his second goal in the 58th minute.
Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr, who scored in the 53rd minute and again during stoppage time. However, the African side could not prevent Norway from securing all three points.
The victory moved Norway to six points from two matches in Group I. They remain second behind France on goal difference and have qualified for the Round of 32.
Senegal remain without a point in the group and must defeat Iraq in their final group-stage match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Haaland, playing in his first FIFA World Cup, has emerged as one of the leading scorers of the tournament with four goals in two matches.