Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken paid glowing tribute to Senegal after his side secured a thrilling 3-2 victory that booked their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a pulsating Group I encounter at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Monday, Norway survived a spirited Senegal fightback to claim all three points and maintain their perfect start to the tournament.
Goals from Erling Haaland, who struck twice, and Marcus Pedersen appeared to have put the Europeans in complete control before Ismaïla Sarr’s late brace ensured a nervy finish. Despite Senegal’s relentless pressure in the closing stages, Norway held firm to seal qualification for the Round of 32.
Following the match, Solbakken described the contest as one of the most entertaining games of the tournament and praised both teams for producing a football spectacle.
“It was a fantastic football match. This is an advertisement for football,” Solbakken said after the game.
The Norwegian tactician acknowledged the quality and resilience of the Senegalese side, who pushed his team until the final whistle despite finding themselves two goals down.
Senegal entered the match needing a positive result after losing their opening fixture against France and showed immense character in the second half as they sought a way back into the contest. Their determination nearly earned them a dramatic comeback, with Sarr’s double setting up a tense finale.
Although they ultimately fell short, the Lions of Teranga earned widespread praise for their fighting spirit and refusal to surrender against one of the tournament’s in-form teams.
Norway, however, showcased the attacking quality that has made them one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Led by the prolific Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard, they followed up their emphatic 4-1 victory over Iraq with another impressive offensive display.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Norway, who are appearing at their first FIFA World Cup since 1998. Back-to-back wins have guaranteed their progression to the knockout phase and further enhanced belief that they could be among the tournament’s dark horses.
Norway striker Alexander Sørloth also reserved special praise for Senegal after the encounter, describing the Lions of Teranga as a top-class opponent.
“We played against Senegal, who are a fantastic team, and I think we were better than them. It’s an insane feeling,” Sørloth said.
His comments echoed those of Solbakken and highlighted the respect Norway’s camp holds for the African giants despite the result.
All Eyes on France Clash as Senegal Face Must-Win Finale
The result leaves Norway level on six points with France at the top of Group I, with the two nations set to meet in a decisive final group-stage showdown to determine the group winner.
Senegal, meanwhile, must defeat Iraq in their last match and hope other results go their way to stand a chance of advancing among the best third-placed teams.
For Solbakken, though, the immediate focus was not on qualification permutations but on celebrating a memorable evening that showcased the excitement, drama and quality that the World Cup can produce.
And in doing so, he made sure Senegal received the recognition they deserved for their role in one of the tournament’s most captivating matches so far.
