Norway arrives excited for the clash with Senegal this Monday, in the second round of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After beating Iraq 4-1 in the debut, highlighted by two goals from Erling Haaland, the Europeans lead the group and are looking for a victory that would practically guarantee their place in the knockout stages.
Coach Ståle Solbakken expressed concern about the pitch at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, in the United States, but assured that the team will maintain its game identity. The Norwegian team should not have any absences and should repeat the base that worked at the opening of the tournament.
On the other side, Senegal is experiencing the opposite moment. Defeated 3-1 by France in their debut, the Africans need to add points urgently to continue with any chances of qualifying. A defeat could seriously complicate life for the team led by Pape Thiaw, which depends on an immediate reaction.
The likely lineups indicate a high-level duel between stars. For Norway, Ørjan Nyland should start; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Ødegaard; Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sørloth and Erling Haaland. Senegal has Édouard Mendy; Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, El Hadji Diouf; Lamine Camara, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mané.
The referee will be Brazilian Wilton Pereira Sampaio, who was already on the field at the opening of the World Cup. The game is scheduled for 9pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast on GE TV, SporTV and other platforms.
Norway looking to adapt quickly
Solbakken urged players to adapt to the pitch as quickly as possible. Norway returns to the World Cup after 28 years of absence and is experiencing its best generation in decades, with Haaland and Ødegaard as the main references. A victory would put the team very close to the round of 16.
Senegal needs the result
The Teranga Lions, runners-up in Africa in 2022, know that the game against Norway is practically a final. With experience from players like Mané and Koulibaly, the team relies on physical strength and counterattacks to surprise the Europeans.
The recent history between the teams is limited, but the current moment favors Norway, which is gaining confidence after the initial rout. Senegal, however, has a tradition of reacting in World Cups and should not give in easily.