World Cup 2026: Erling Haaland's impressive debut

26.06.26 FT World Cup

Norway

1

:

France

4

After netting a brace in Norway's 4-1 victory over Iraq in the World Cup, Erling Haaland did it again, scoring twice to help Norway edge Senegal 3-2.

The Manchester City forward was once again the driving force behind his country's win, securing their qualification for the round of 16.

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

The former Dortmund striker has now become only the sixth player to make decisive contributions in both of his first two matches at the tournament.

He joins an elite club featuring Guillermo Stabile (Argentina, 1930), Sándor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954), Just Fontaine (France, 1958), Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974), and Harry Kane (England, 2018).

These stunning opening performances are proof that Haaland remains a world-class striker, and he could well carry Norway deep into the competition.

Sitting atop their group, Norway have 6 points, level with France—a side they will face next Friday in a decisive showdown for first place.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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