This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Please gamble responsibly, 18+
Norway have waited a long time for this moment. Absent from the World Cup since 1998, the Scandinavian side have returned to the world stage with ambition, power and a real sense of maturity.
Their win over Iraq confirmed the momentum built during qualifying: this team is no longer carried by just a few big names, but now has structure, automatisms and the ability to strike quickly in the final third.
With Erling Haaland as the focal point, Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings, and several players able to attack the spaces, the Landslaget go into this second match with a real opportunity to establish themselves at the top of Group I.
Flashscore is on YouTube!
World Cup match analysis in under 60 seconds, powered by Opta — that's Flashscore Edge. New episodes throughout the tournament.
Want the full picture? Interviews, tactical deep dives and tournament coverage on Flashscore Main.
Senegal arrive with a very different mindset. The defeat against France didn’t erase everything, as the Lions of Teranga showed impact, intensity and created some dangerous situations.
But in such a tough group, regrets are not enough. Pape Thiaw’s men must already react if they don’t want their World Cup to become complicated from the second matchday.
Against a confident Norway, the challenge will be as much mental as tactical: holding their own in duels, making better use of transitions, and rediscovering the efficiency that has often been Senegal’s strength on the big stage.
Norway v Senegal tips
Over 2.5 goals - 10/11 @ bet365
Erling Haaland to score - 10/11 @ bet365
Both teams to score - 3/4@ bet365
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
bet365
One of the UK's leading bookmakers. See the latest welcome offers and sign-up details.
Claim your bet365 bonus | bet365 review | Flashscore's betting hub
18+. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
Over 2.5 goals
Norway come into this with impressive attacking momentum. Since their heavy defeat to Austria in the Nations League in October 2024, Ståle Solbakken’s side have won their last 11 competitive matches, in the Nations League, qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, but not counting friendlies. Over this period, the Landslaget have scored 50 goals and conceded just 7. Their opening win over Iraq confirmed this trend: even when put under pressure at times, Norway eventually ran out comfortable winners (4-1), powered by their strength in the final third.
Against Senegal, the scenario could again favour an open game. The Lions of Teranga need to respond after their defeat to France and cannot afford to sit too deep. With Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr, and Ibrahim Mbaye, they have the weapons to hurt on the break, but their defensive frailties at World Cups remain. Senegal have now gone 12 consecutive World Cup matches without a clean sheet. Their only clean sheet in the tournament dates back to their very first match, on 31 May 2002, in their historic win over France (0-1). This trend supports the idea of a match with several goals.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals - 10/11 @ bet365
Bet explanation: there must be at least three goals in total in the match for this bet to win.
Erling Haaland to score
Erling Haaland has already hit the ground running at this World Cup. After scoring twice against Iraq on matchday one, the Norwegian striker immediately confirmed his central role in the Landslaget’s attack. His record is remarkable: he has scored in each of his last 11 competitive matches for Norway, across all competitions except friendlies. In this run, he has even netted at least twice in each of his last five official matches. Haaland scores regularly for his country, almost always making a big impact on the scoresheet.
The trend is even stronger if you look at his recent international years. Since the start of 2023, Haaland has found the net in 17 of his last 20 official matches for Norway, again not counting friendlies. This exceptional consistency makes him a natural pick for this match, especially as Senegal have gone 12 consecutive World Cup games without a clean sheet. With Martin Ødegaard supplying him between the lines and a confident Norway side, Haaland should again get dangerous chances in the box.
Tip: Erling Haaland to score - 10/11 @ bet365
Bet explanation: Erling Haaland must score at least one goal during the match for this bet to win.
Both teams to score
Norway have one of the most dangerous attacking units in Group I, but they are not completely watertight. Against Iraq, the Landslaget won comfortably (4-1), but still conceded a goal and several chances before pulling away after the break. This trend could lead to a scenario where the Norwegians score, but also leave some gaps at the back.
Senegal, for their part, absolutely need to respond after their defeat to France. The Lions of Teranga have shown they can cause problems on the break, with pace, power and several players able to attack the space in behind. Their defence remains fragile at World Cups, but their attacking potential is real. Against a forward-thinking Norway, Senegal could find a way through, even if Haaland and his teammates look well-equipped to do damage at the other end.
Tip: Both teams to score - 3/4@ bet365
Bet explanation: both Norway and Senegal must each score at least one goal for this bet to win.
Norway v Senegal: match odds
Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.
Betting on World Cup 2026
FIFA 2026 World Cup takes place from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. You'll find some of the best promotions and bonuses on the market on Flashscore!
Predictions and odds | Where to watch the World Cup | Betting offers and bonuses | Best World Cup betting sites | Betting Guides | World Cup Scores