World Cup 2026 news: Erling Haaland maintains pressure on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe with brace v Senegal

Erling Haaland continued his outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign with another brace as Norway secured their place in the knockout stages with a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker scored twice in the second half at MetLife Stadium to take his tournament tally to four goals in two matches, helping Norway maintain their perfect start to Group I.

Marcus Pedersen had given Norway a first-half lead before Haaland struck either side of Ismaila Sarr's opener for Senegal. Sarr added a late second for the African side, but Norway held on to secure qualification.

Haaland continues Golden Boot charge

Much of the attention once again centred on Haaland, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of World Cup 2026.

The striker found the net in the 48th and 58th minutes to register his second consecutive brace of the tournament and move firmly into contention for the Golden Boot.

Despite his goals, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken suggested his star forward could have added even more to his tally.

"Today he did miss an open goal, and he could even have scored four," Solbakken said after the match, quoted on Sky Sports.

The Norway boss was nevertheless full of praise for his striker.

"He is the best striker. He is not playing for France or Argentina, he scores for Norway."

"He's scored four goals now, two braces on the biggest stage."

READ MORE: World Cup 2026 news: Kylian Mbappe scores brace to keep pace with Lionel Messi as France beat Iraq

Solbakken praises Norway talisman

Solbakken believes Haaland's achievements deserve additional recognition given the teams he is competing against for individual honours.

"It's easier to win the Golden Boot when you play for France and Argentina," he said.

"But we'll try to give Erling more games, and more help also in the next games."

"So he's on fire and I'm very happy for him that he can score on the biggest stage."

The comments come as Haaland finds himself competing with players such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who have also enjoyed prolific starts to the tournament.

Haaland looks ahead to France test

Norway's progression means tougher challenges now await.

A potential meeting with France has already emerged as a talking point, with Mbappe among the leading contenders to lift both the World Cup and Golden Boot.

Haaland, however, appeared relaxed when asked about the possibility.

"I don't care, we are through," he said.

"They'll probably beat us and go on and win the whole tournament."

While the striker acknowledged France's quality, his performances suggest Norway will still believe they can cause problems for any opponent they face.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: World Cup 2026 news: Lionel Messi breaks scoring record as Argentina beat Austria

Norway building momentum

Qualification for the knockout rounds marks another significant milestone for a Norway side featuring in a World Cup with genuine expectations.

The combination of Haaland's goals, a settled squad and growing confidence has helped them become one of the more intriguing teams in the competition.

Whether they can challenge the tournament favourites remains to be seen.

For now, however, Norway have a striker in exceptional form and a place in the knockout stages secured.

And with four goals already to his name, Haaland's pursuit of World Cup glory and the Golden Boot, remains very much alive.

READ NEXT: World Cup 2026 news: Lamine Yamal stars as Spain cruise past Saudi Arabia