Norway
- Norway have won two of their last three matches in all competitions (D1), beating Iraq 4-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture.
- They sit top of Group I with three points after their 4-1 win and will be looking to extend their positive start by beating Senegal, who are third after their opening defeat.
Senegal
- Senegal have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five games, being beaten 3-1 by France in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
- Ibrahim Mbaye is their only goalscorer so far in this competition, while Iliman Ndiaye has provided an assist as the playmaker.
Head-to-Head
- This is a classic clash of two styles that will be very familiar to fans of the European Championship - Norway look to play a possession-based game at a high tempo, while Senegal are physical and direct, sitting deep and looking to punish their opponents on the counterattack.
- Philippe Clement's side will line up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, feeding their lone striker, Erling Haaland, with the ball as often as possible.
- Senegal line up in a similar shape, but with a much more compact structure, giving the team plenty of defensive discipline and athletic presence.
- Pape Thiaw has overseen very little change to the system or style of play since he took over in October 2024.
Key Players
-
Norway
- Erling Haaland is in blistering form, netting two goals in his first appearance at a World Cup group stage.
- Martin Ødegaard will need to play the maestro in behind the forward line.
-
Senegal
- Ibrahim Mbaye is their only goalscorer so far in this competition.
- Iliman Ndiaye has provided an assist as the playmaker.
Betting Insights
- Norway have the best odds to win this matchup, but I'm staying on the sidelines of the moneyline markets.
- The odds on over 2.5 goals are attractive at 1.96, while I'm taking both teams to score at 1.71.
- Both teams to score looks the safest bet here.
Prediction
- Norway to edge a close match.
- Both teams to score is the best bet here, as Clement's Norway will need to open up this game to get enough chances for Haaland to punish Senegal.
