Norway will be looking to secure their spot in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup when they face Senegal on Tuesday at 1am (UK time).
Norway sit top of Group I after the opening round of fixtures and know that another victory would secure their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare. Ståle Solbakken’s side eased to a 4-1 win over Iraq in their tournament opener, with Erling Haaland scoring twice before goals from Leo Østigård and an own goal completed a comfortable success.
Senegal, meanwhile, were handed a difficult start against France. The African side competed well and caused the former finalists problems at times, but ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat. As a result, their qualification hopes are finely poised heading into this contest.
While defeat would not mathematically end Senegal’s chances of progression, it would leave them facing an uphill battle ahead of the final round of group matches. Victory, on the other hand, would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages and significantly increase the pressure on their rivals in Group I.
Norway vs Senegal confirmed lineups
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Senegal (4-3-3): E Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; P Gueye, I Guete, Camara; Sarr, Jackson, Mane.
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Norway vs Senegal team news
Norway team news
There have been some doubts surrounding the availabilities of Julian Ryerson and David Moller Wolfe ahead of this game. The latter had to come off in the win over Iraq after picking up a knock, while his full-back partner was also suffering. But they both look fit to play, with Wolfe’s knock not significant. With that in mind, Stale Solbakken may opt to name an unchanged starting XI.
Leo Ostigard hasn’t been a starter at centre-back for Norway this month, having ended the league season with a knock. He did come off the bench last time out, and scored, but it would be smart for Solbakken to manage Ostigard’s minutes. Torbjorn Heggem did a good job alongside Kristoffer Ajer at the heart of the Norway defence, protecting Orjan Nyland behind them.
The midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes should remain the same, too. Erling Haaland will no doubt lead the line, with Antonio Nusa on the left. There was a bold call to play Alexander Sorloth on the right, but he worked well in that supporting role off Haaland. So Sorloth is likely to continue there for the time being.
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Senegal team news
Ibrahim Mbaye will be hoping to make a start after his impact off the bench against France. But he may have to make do with another substitute appearance in this one. Ismaila Sarr looks to have that right-wing role locked down, with Sadio Mane on the left and Nicolas Jackson through the middle.
Pape Thiaw may opt to remain unchanged from the defeat to France, as that was his strongest possible lineup on paper. And the Lions of Teranga cannot afford another defeat here. Idrissa Gueye should be in the holding role of the midfield three, joined by Pape Gueye and Lamine Camara. Habib Diarra and Pathe Ciss came off the bench against France, and will look to make an impact once more.
The defence should remain the same too, full of experience and quality. Kalidou Koulibaly will start as captain, partnered by Moussa Niakhate at centre-back. El Hadji Malick Diouf should start on the left, with Krepin Diatta on the right. Edouard Mendy will start in goal.
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