World Cup: Senegal lose thriller to Norway
A double from former Rennes, Marseille and Metz winger Ismaïla Sarr wasn't enough for Senegal as they lost 3-2 in heartbreaking fashion to Norway in New York on Monday night. Catch up on the action with Ligue 1 McDonald's.
A slow-burning first half
In New York, the other match in Group I following France's win over Iraq proved to be a barnstorming affair, despite a kickoff held up by the same weather system that saw Les Bleus' victory be delayed by nearly two hours. Senegal and Norway both entered the match knowing a victory would be vital to secure progress. The Lions of Teranga featured a raft of Ligue 1 McDonald's players from the off, including Krépin Diatta (AS Monaco), Moussa Niakhaté (Olympique Lyonnais) and Lamine Camara (AS Monaco), while Mory Diaw (Le Havre) and Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain) both came off the bench.
The Norwegians threatened early with a flurry of corners, but former Stade Rennais 'keeper Édouard Mendy was sharp to deny Kristoffer Ajer with a kick save (4'). At the other end, ex-Rennes winger Ismaïla Sarr showed himself to be dangerous -- as he would throughout the night, by nearly picking out Nicholas Jackson with an inviting cross. From there, the match settled into a certain level of stürm und drang, with Senegal doing their best to limit touches for Erling Haaland. The match looked to be heading into the break scoreless, but Marcus Holmgren Pedersen gave Norway the lead after Kalidou Koulibaly scuffed a clearance. Senegal were nearly down two goals at the interval, only for Haaland to hit the post.
⏰ 90+2’ | 𝘽𝙐𝙐𝙐𝙐𝙐𝙏𝙏 ! Ismaïla Sarr s’offre un doublé et permet aux Lions de revenir à un but de la Norvège !#NORSEN | (3-2) | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RlbdKC0n4c
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) June 23, 2026
Senegal battle back but come up short
While the first half had taken some time to ramp up, the second needed little invitation to reach a high level, with Martin Ødegaard feeding Haaland for a powerful strike after a mistimed tackle by Senegal. Sarr would respond five minutes later, though, prodding home an acrobatic finish after a crafty layoff by Sadio Mané. Norway would regain a two goal advantage on 65 minutes, though, with former RC Lens midfielder Patrik Berg setting up Haaland for a close range finish.
In the match's final quarter, Senegal showed plenty of intensity, and thought they deserved a penalty on 74 minutes, when Idrissa Gueye was felled in the box, but the moment wasn't reviewed. Sarr would finally get another goal in added time, and though Senegal pushed hard for an equalizer, it wasn't to be and they'll have to hope for a lopsided win against Iraq on Friday to have a chance of progressing.
Read more:
>> World Cup: France secure knockout place with win over Iraq
