World Cup 2026: Norway and Senegal Battle for Key Group I Win

Norway and Senegal face each other on June 23, 2026 at 1:00 a.m. GMT+1 at MetLife Stadium in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. This Group I match offers a precious victory for both teams after their contrasting starts to the tournament.

Both sides have already played one match in this group, which also includes France and Iraq. Norway made a strong start with a 4-1 win over Iraq, while Senegal were beaten 3-1 by France. This encounter therefore looks set to be decisive in both teams’ pursuit of qualification for the knockout stage.

Norway return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, powered by a perfect qualifying campaign with eight wins from eight matches, 37 goals scored and five conceded. The Norwegian side under Ståle Solbakken rely on an intense attacking style, with Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard as their key figures.

Senegal, playing in their third consecutive World Cup under Pape Thiaw, remain a major force in African football after their continental title in 2022. The Senegalese side play a physical, fast game, leaning in particular on experienced leaders such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.

The result of this match will have a crucial impact on the rest of Group I, where every point is decisive in securing a place in the round of 16 against strong competition represented by France and an Iraq side playing the role of outsider.

Focus on Norway

Norway play with an attacking setup under former midfielder Ståle Solbakken. His team dominated its qualifying group with a flexible system that promotes creativity and speed. Erling Haaland, the leading scorer with 16 goals in qualifying, is the spearhead, supported by Martin Ødegaard, the driving force in midfield build-up play.

Defensive solidity is provided by an experienced centre-back pairing, while the collective dynamic combines high pressing and quick transitions. Buoyed by a convincing opening win, the Norwegians are looking to confirm their status by securing a second victory that would put them in an excellent position in this difficult group.

Focus on Senegal

Senegal, coached by Pape Thiaw, adopt a robust and fast style of play. The team rely on a compact defensive block and counterattacks led by Sadio Mané, their key player in attack. Kalidou Koulibaly brings experience and solidity in central defence, while Edouard Mendy occupies the goalkeeper position with confidence.

Despite the opening defeat to France, Senegal remain a formidable team physically and tactically. The side are looking to return to winning ways to regain confidence and keep their qualification ambitions alive in a very balanced group.

Norway

Upcoming 01:00 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

23/06/2026 01:00 · Group I

Group I schedule

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View match details for France - Senegal

16/06 Group I

France

Finished 3-1 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

View match details for Iraq - Norway

16/06 Group I

Iraq

Finished 1-4 Gillette Stadium

Norway

View match details for France - Iraq

22/06 Group I

France

Live 1-0 Lincoln Financial Field

Iraq

View match details for Norway - Senegal

23/06 Group I

Norway

Upcoming 01:00 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

View match details for Norway - France

26/06 Group I

Norway

Upcoming 20:00 Gillette Stadium

France

View match details for Senegal - Iraq

26/06 Group I

Senegal

Upcoming 20:00 BMO Field

Iraq