Norway and Senegal face each other this Tuesday (23 June 2026, at 00:00 UTC, 21:00 GMT) at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, United States, in a crucial duel for the second round of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game pits two teams with different styles, but with high-level stars in attack, face to face.
Norway arrives as group leader. In their debut, the team beat Iraq 4-1, withErling Haalandbeing one of the great highlights. Manchester City’s top scorer once again showed his efficiency inside the box and his ability to decide important games. With Martin Ødegaard organizing the plays in midfield, Norway has a fast and vertical attack, supported by Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa on the wings. Coach Ståle Solbakken should repeat the 4-3-3 formation that worked well in the first match.
Norway formation (4-3-3)Ørjan Nyland Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Ødegaard (c) Antonio Nusa,Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth
On the other hand, Senegal needs to react. The team lost to France 3-1 in their debut and occupies third place in the group, with zero points. For Pape Thiaw, the challenge is to balance defense and attack. Kalidou Koulibaly leads the defense, while Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson look for speed in counterattacks. The midfield has the experience of Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye. The likely formation is 4-2-3-1.
Senegal formation (4-2-3-1)Edouard Mendy Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly (c), Moussa Niakhaté, El Hadji Malick Diouf Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye Ismaïla Sarr, Lamine Camara, Sadio Mané Nicolas Jackson
The confrontation gains even more importance due to the group context. Norway, with victory, can advance to the round of 16. Senegal, in turn, needs to add at least one point to keep its chances of advancing alive, either as one of the two best teams or as one of the best third-placed teams. France leads the other side of the group and Iraq seeks to surprise.
Haalandis the big attraction. The center forward has a history of deciding big games for the national team and arrives on a high note after his debut. On the Senegalese side, Mané continues to be a reference for determination and skill, even at 34 years old. Jackson, from Chelsea, brings youth and physical strength.
The referee will be Brazilian Wilton Pereira Sampaio, who has already refereed the opening match of the competition. His presence adds a special flavor for Brazilian fans. The card averages indicate a game that could have high intensity, especially in midfield, where the midfielder pairs must fight for possession of the ball.
Substitutions confirmedNorway: Sander Tangvik, Egil Selvik, Leo Østigård, Fredrik André Bjørkan, among others. Senegal: Yehvann Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Habib Diarra, among others.
In addition to the lineups, the recent history shows Norway with a good offensive moment and Senegal with a tradition in African competitions, but needing to adjust their defense after conceding three goals from France. The MetLife stadium, with a large capacity, should receive a good crowd, favoring those who can set the pace from the start.
For Norway, maintaining defensive solidity and exploiting long balls toHaalandwill be fundamental. For Senegal, compacting the middle and exploring quick transitions with Mané and Sarr could be the way to surprise.
The result of this game could define much of the fate of the two teams in Group I. A Norwegian victory increases the pressure on France in the sequence, while a Senegalese draw or victory completely reopens the dispute for the place.