Norway must repeat the victorious base of their debut in the second round of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Senegal. After beating Iraq 4-1, with two goals from Erling Haaland, coach Ståle Solbakken is unlikely to make any significant changes to the team that is seeking leadership in isolation from the group.
The likely lineups indicate an offensive 4-3-3 for the Europeans. Ørjan Nyland must defend the goal, with Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem and David Møller Wolfe in defense. In the middle, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes and Martin Ødegaard lead the creation, while Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sørloth and Erling Haaland form the attacking trio.
On the Senegal side, coach Pape Thiaw must also maintain his backbone despite the 3-1 defeat to France in the debut. The team needs to react urgently and must go to the field with Édouard Mendy in goal. The defense features Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté and El Hadji Diouf. In the middle, Lamine Camara, Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye, with Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mané in attack.
Star duel defines favoritism
Haaland arrives on a high after shining in the opening and is the main name for Norway, which returns to the World Cup after 28 years. On the other side, Mané and Koulibaly carry the experience of Senegal, who are experiencing pressure in the tournament.
Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio whistles the match scheduled for 9pm (Brasília time) at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford. The game will be broadcast on GE TV, SporTV and streaming platforms.
Norway prioritizes adaptation to the lawn
Solbakken warned about the field conditions and asked for quick adaptation, but confirmed confidence in the team’s playing identity. The stable formation reflects the good Norwegian moment, which leads the group and sees a high probability of qualifying with a victory.
Senegal bets on reaction with the same team
Without absences due to injury, the Africans maintain the 4-3-3 formation and depend on the offensive power of Mané, Jackson and Sarr to seek the three points. A defeat would seriously complicate the score for the knockout stage.
The history between the teams is short, but the confrontation promises a balance between Norwegian strength and Senegalese resilience. Tactical choices in lineups should dictate the pace of a decisive game in Group I.