Senegal's World Cup Campaign Ends After Defeat To Norway

Senegal's World Cup Campaign Ends After Defeat To Norway

By Niyi Busari 

Norway secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal in their Group Stage clash, a result that confirmed the Lions of Teranga's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Norway took the lead two minutes before halftime through substitute Pedersen. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly initially intercepted Martin Odegaard's pass intended for Erling Haaland but failed to clear the danger. The loose ball fell kindly to Pedersen, who reacted quickest and fired a clinical finish beyond goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the 43rd minute.

The Scandinavian side doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Norway launched a devastating counterattack, with Odegaard threading a perfectly weighted pass through the Senegal defence. Haaland timed his run to perfection, controlled superbly, and unleashed a powerful strike into the top-right corner. Although Mendy got a hand to the ball, he could not prevent it from finding the net.

Senegal responded positively and reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute. Sadio Mane combined effectively with Idrissa Gana Gueye before releasing Ismaila Sarr. The winger showed determination to get past his marker before producing an excellent finish into the top corner to bring Senegal back into the contest.

However, Haaland restored Norway's two-goal cushion five minutes later. The Manchester City forward struck again in the 58th minute to complete his brace and put Norway firmly in control of the encounter.

A major talking point arrived later in the match when Gueye went down inside the penalty area following an aerial challenge from David Moller Wolfe. Senegal's players appealed strongly for a penalty, believing the Norwegian defender had made contact around Gueye's neck and throat. Despite the protests and a VAR review, the referee allowed play to continue.

Senegal continued to push forward in search of a comeback and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Sarr scored his second goal of the match in the 90th minute, but the late strike proved only a consolation as Norway held on for all three points.

The defeat leaves Senegal without a point after two matches, having previously lost 3-1 to France. As a result, the Lions of Teranga have been eliminated from the tournament before their final group-stage fixture.

Senegal will conclude their World Cup campaign against Iraq on Thursday, 26 June 2026. Regardless of the outcome, the West Africans can no longer progress to the knockout stages