- Norway have 3 points in the top spot in Group I after beating Iraq 4-1 in their opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Senegal have 0 points in third place after losing their first game in the tournament against France, 3-1.
- Norway have won 2 and drawn 1 of their last 3 matches in all competitions.
Norway vs Senegal: Scrappy clash between two teams that like to score
Two teams who like to get forward and score goals meet on Tuesday as Norway go head-to-head with Senegal in a matchup of contrasting styles at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, USA.
Philippe Clement's Norway play an organised and structured 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system and will look to control midfield and get the ball to Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker is red-hot for his country, having scored 2 goals in 1 game in this, his first ever World Cup group stage appearance.
Senegal also play a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system but with less of a focus on possession and more on a compact structure, physicality and transitioning quickly when they win the ball back. Pape Thiaw has been in charge since taking over as head coach in October 2024, although they failed to match the intensity of France in their opener, losing 3-1.
Haaland and Ndiaye the key attacking options
In addition to Haaland's goals, Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye has been impressive so far for Senegal, scoring their only goal in FIFA World Cup 2026. However, Iliman Ndiaye is a dangerous player in his own right, capable of unlocking a defence with a piece of skill or a perfectly timed pass.
Norway's midfield is controlled by a star midfielder, Martin Ødegaard, and he is the perfect playmaker to keep the pace of the game up and get the wide players involved, or to play the through balls over the top to Haaland. Clement is a possession-based manager, having taken over the national team in November 2025, and they will look to keep the game at a high tempo on Tuesday.
Senegal are a direct and physical side and their ability to hit Norway on the break will be key to their chances. The Lions of Teranga have lost their last 2 games away from home in all competitions, and will be keen to end that run against a Norway team that has returned to the World Cup.
Expect goals on both ends
Norway will be desperate to open Senegal up and expose their defence, while they will also need to be careful not to get caught out by the pace of Senegal's forwards on the counter attack. Both sides will be looking to score on the attack and that makes over 2.5 goals, at 24/25, and both teams to score, at 71/100, the best bets for this clash.
Norway's return to the World Cup makes for a gripping sub-narrative to this tactical encounter of two contrasting styles of play.
