Norway vs Senegal: The In-Form Underdogs Meet a Big Name in Trouble

Predictions

Norway are the slight favorites here, and with Haaland flying, most people expect them to win.

Senegal have the bigger names though, so this is far from a sure thing.

• Our prediction: Norway win 2-1, with Haaland making the difference.
• BetMGM: a Norway win, with over 2.5 goals.
• Sports Mole: Norway to win as the form side.
• Racing Post: a Norway win, with Haaland to score.

Why this game matters so much?

Here is the twist that makes this one fun.

This is Norway against Senegal, and the table does not match the rankings.

Senegal are ranked higher in the FIFA rankings with the biggest stars, so on paper they should be ahead.

But they lost 1-3 to France in their first game, so they sit on 0 points.

And we can expect their confidence to be shattered.

Norway did the opposite, and they beat Iraq 4-1 to go to the top of the group with France.

So the lower-ranked team are flying, and the big names are already in trouble.

That makes this a real test, because Norway can take a huge step toward the next round, while Senegal are nearly out if they lose again.

Why Norway are the in-form favorites?

Norway are only 38th in the FIFA rankings, but right now none of that matters.

They are on fire after that 4-1 win, and a lot of it comes down to one man.

Their striker Erling Haaland already has 2 goals in 1 game at this World Cup, and he is one of the best scorers on the planet.

When he is in this kind of form, any defense in the world should be worried.

Coach Stale Solbakken has them playing with real belief on top of all that.

The bookmakers agree, because they make Norway slight favorites at about +135, which is roughly a 43% chance to win.

Senegal sit at about +215, and the draw is around +220, so it is close but Norway are the pick.

You can turn these odds into your preferred format with our odds converter.

Why Senegal are still dangerous?

Senegal are 17th in the FIFA rankings, so they are actually the higher-ranked side here.

One bad game does not make all that talent disappear.

Their forward Sadio Mane is still one of the most dangerous attackers around, and he can push his team to the next round if he shines here.

They have real pace and goals all across the front, which is exactly what makes them scary.

Their boss, Pape Thiaw, needs his big names to wake up fast.

And there is the pressure point too, because a second loss would leave Senegal nearly out of the World Cup.

So if their stars play their best, Senegal really do have a chance to win this and get their tournament back on track.

Our call: Norway 2-1

We are calling it Norway 2-1.

Norway have the form, the confidence, and a striker who cannot stop scoring.

We think Haaland makes the difference over 90 minutes.

But you can never count Senegal out.

Both teams love to attack, and Senegal have the talent to hurt anyone.

So we expect goals on both ends, and we would not be shocked if this turns into a high-scoring game.

What is at stake?

Right now Norway and France lead Group I with 3 points each.

Senegal and Iraq are both on 0 points after losing their openers.

Finish in the top 2 of the group and you book your place in the next round.

A handful of the strongest 3rd-place finishers sneak in on top of that.

So a Norway win would take them a big step toward the next round if they win, with a real shot at topping the group.

On the other side of the field, if Senegal loses, that would leave them nearly out with one game left to fix it.

That is what gives this game its edge, one side chasing the lead and the other fighting to survive.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Monday June 22, 2026, at MetLife Stadium near New York.

Kickoff is 20:00 (8:00 PM) Eastern time.

You can also see all the details on the match page.

Need a seat for it? Take a look at our World Cup tickets guide.