Norway will aim to continue their impressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Senegal in a crucial Group I clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.While the Scandinavian side are chasing an early place in the knockout stage, Senegal heads into the contest under pressure after suffering defeat in their opening match against France.Match PreviewNorway returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years in emphatic fashion after thrashing Iraq 4-1 in their opening group game.The dominant victory continued a remarkable run of form for Stle Solbakkens side, who cruised through qualification by winning all eight of their matches. Norway have now won 11 consecutive competitive internationals, scoring an astonishing 50 goals during that period.Another victory here would secure qualification to the knockout rounds and also mark the first time Norway have won two matches at a major international tournament.Senegal, meanwhile, suffered a difficult start after falling to a 3-1 defeat against two-time world champions France.The loss extended the Lions of Terangas winless run to three matches, with one draw and two defeats, their worst sequence since January 2023.Pape Thiaws men now find themselves under significant pressure, knowing another defeat could leave their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 hanging by a thread.However, Senegal can still take confidence from their strong record against lower-ranked nations, having not lost a competitive game to a team below them in the FIFA rankings since January 2024.Form GuideNorway go into the fixture full of confidence after a long stretch of dominant performances in competitive football.The Scandinavian side have been ruthless in attack, with 13 of their last 14 competitive matches producing over 2.5 goals.Senegal, on the other hand, are searching for defensive stability after conceding regularly in recent World Cup appearances.The African giants have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 12 World Cup matches, the second-longest such run in tournament history.Head-to-Head RecordNorway and Senegal have met only once before.That encounter came in a friendly match in 2006, with Senegal securing a 2-1 victory.Key Players to WatchErling Haaland remains Norways biggest attacking threat after extending his extraordinary scoring run in the opening game against Iraq.The Manchester City striker has now scored in 11 consecutive competitive appearances for Norway, netting 22 goals during that stretch, including at least two goals in each of his last five matches.For Senegal, Ibrahim Mbaye made history against France by becoming the youngest African player ever to score at a FIFA World Cup.The teenage forward now has the opportunity to become the first teenager to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances.Team NewsNeither side has reported any fresh injury concerns ahead of the encounter.Both coaches are expected to have fully available squads for the important Group clash.Hot StatsThirteen of Norways last 14 competitive internationals have produced over 2.5 goals.Norway have scored 12 of their last 14 competitive goals after half-time.Three of Senegals last four matches have produced over 3.5 goals.Senegal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 World Cup matches.Kick Off TimeThe World Cup 2026 clash between Norway and Senegal will take place on Tuesday, June 23. Kick off is scheduled for 12:00 GMT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Source link
