The 2026 World Cup’s Group I delivers a fascinating matchday-two clash as group leaders Norway face Senegal in New Jersey, with a place in the knockout race at stake. This Norway vs Senegal match preview breaks down our prediction, team form, probable lineups and the latest betting markets for UK punters. Kick-off is 1am BST in the early hours of Tuesday 23 June, live on ITV1.
Our Prediction for Norway vs Senegal 23/06/2026
This looks like the decisive battle for second place behind France. Norway sit top of Group I after thrashing Iraq 4-1, while Senegal must respond after a 3-1 defeat to France in their opener.
Our Norway vs Senegal score prediction is a narrow 2-1 win for Norway. Erling Haaland’s firepower gives Solbakken’s side the edge, though Senegal’s pace means a clean sheet is unlikely.
The betting odds confirm how close this is. Norway are slight favourites at around 2.31, with Senegal not far behind near 2.80 and the draw a live option at 3.40.
Among our Norway vs Senegal betting tips, Norway to win is the headline call, but the standout value is both teams to score, given the attacking quality on show. Haaland to score anytime is another strong option. With Norway missing a few players through injury and Senegal needing the points, this is the tightest contest of the round, so do not rule out the Lions of Teranga.
Predicted Scoreline: Norway 2-1 Senegal
Recommended Bet: Norway to Win
Norway Form Analysis
Norway are enjoying a memorable return to the big stage, playing in their first World Cup since 1998. They opened with a statement 4-1 win over Iraq, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to announce himself on the tournament.
That result reflected a side built around its attack. Haaland is the all-time top scorer for his country, with 55 goals, and bagged 16 in qualifying alone. Captain Martin Ødegaard pulls the strings from midfield after winning the Premier League with Arsenal.
There are caveats. Norway struggled against their tougher opponents in the build-up, drawing with Switzerland and Morocco and losing to the Netherlands.
There is also an injury concern, with Antonio Nusa, Leo Østigård and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland all sidelined. Solbakken will reshuffle, but with Haaland and Ødegaard fit, Norway carry more than enough firepower to take control of the group with another win here.
Senegal Form Analysis
Senegal arrive under pressure after an opening loss, but they remain one of Africa’s strongest sides. They lost 3-1 to France yet were competitive for long spells, carrying a genuine counter-attacking threat before fading in the second half.
The Lions of Teranga have real quality across the pitch. Sadio Mané brings experience and leadership, Nicolas Jackson offers a physical focal point, and Ismaïla Sarr provides pace and width. Kalidou Koulibaly marshals a well-drilled defence.
Their recent form has been mixed, with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia and a surprise 3-2 defeat to the United States in warm-up matches. They also carry the hurt of a controversial Africa Cup of Nations final.
Pape Thiaw’s side are disciplined and dangerous in transition, and they know the equation is simple. Win here and they are in command of the race for second. Their pace out wide could be the key to exploiting a reshuffled Norway defence.
Norway vs Senegal Betting Odds
The Norway vs Senegal betting odds reflect a tight, evenly matched contest. Norway are narrow favourites at around 2.29 to 2.33, with Senegal close behind at 2.80 to 3.01 and the draw priced near 3.40 to 3.51.
Those Norway vs Senegal odds give Norway only a slight edge, roughly a 44% implied chance, with Senegal around 34%. This is one of the more open matches of the round, which is reflected in the goals markets.
Both teams to score is a short 1.73 to 1.77, hinting that goals are expected at both ends, while over 2.5 goals trades near 1.87 to 1.95. For value, both teams to score and a Haaland anytime scorer bet stand out. As always, shop around for the best price before betting.
Where to Watch Norway vs Senegal
Everything UK viewers need to follow this Group I showdown live.
Where to Watch
Norway vs Senegal, Live on ITV
Competition
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group I)
Venue
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
TV / Stream (UK)
ITV1 / ITVX
UK kick-off is 1am BST in the early hours of Tuesday 23 June. Confirm the channel and start time against the latest BBC and ITV listings.
Probable Lineups for Norway vs Senegal
Both coaches face selection calls, with Norway hit by a few injuries. Here is the probable Norway vs Senegal lineup, with Solbakken’s high-pressing 4-3-3 set to face Pape Thiaw’s counter-attacking 4-3-3. Norway are without Nusa, Østigård and Nyland, while Senegal miss Habib Diarra.
Probable Starting XIs
Norway vs Senegal Lineups
|
Norway
Formation 4-3-3
|
Senegal
Formation 4-3-3
|
| GKEgil Selvik |
GKÉdouard Mendy |
| DEFJulian Ryerson |
DEFKrépin Diatta |
| DEFKristoffer Ajer |
DEFKalidou Koulibaly (C) |
| DEFTorbjorn Heggem |
DEFMoussa Niakhaté |
| DEFAndreas Møller Wolfe |
DEFEl Hadji Malick Diouf |
| MIDSander Berge |
MIDPape Gueye |
| MIDFredrik Aursnes |
MIDLamine Camara |
| MIDMartin Ødegaard (C) |
MIDIdrissa Gana Gueye |
| FWDOscar Bobb |
FWDIsmaïla Sarr |
| FWDErling Haaland |
FWDNicolas Jackson |
| FWDAlexander Sørloth |
FWDSadio Mané |
| Injured / Doubtful |
| Antonio Nusa, Leo Østigård, Ørjan Nyland (out) |
Habib Diarra, Assane Diao (out) |
| Coach: Ståle Solbakken |
Coach: Pape Thiaw |
Goalkeeper
Defender
Midfielder
Forward
Predicted starting XIs • subject to late team news and fitness checks
Best Bookmakers for Norway vs Senegal
Four bookmakers stand out for this fixture, each offering strong World Cup coverage and competitive prices for UK bettors.
Luckymate and
7bet price Norway at around 2.29 to 2.33, with
Highbet and
Mogobet at 2.31. On Senegal, Highbet and Mogobet offer the best value at 3.01, ahead of Luckymate and 7bet at 2.80, while both teams to score sits near 1.73 to 1.77 across the board.
For a fuller rundown of trusted operators, sign-up offers and tournament markets, see our guide to the best
World Cup betting sites.
Odds are subject to change, so always confirm the current price with the bookmaker before betting. 18+ Please gamble responsibly.
The Last Encounters Between Norway and Senegal
There is almost no head-to-head history between these sides. Norway and Senegal have met only once, in a friendly back in March 2006, which Senegal won 2-1.
That game came 20 years ago, with completely different squads, so it offers little to go on. This is effectively their first meaningful meeting and their first at a World Cup.
With no recent form guide between the nations, the matchday-one performances are the best reference. Norway’s ruthless 4-1 win over Iraq contrasts with Senegal’s competitive but losing effort against France, setting up an intriguing clash of styles in New Jersey.
| Date |
Venue |
Competition |
Result |
Goal Scorers |
| 01/03/2006 |
Neutral |
International Friendly |
Senegal 2-1 Norway |
N/A |
Norway vs Senegal Group I Standings
Norway’s emphatic win, combined with France’s victory over Senegal, leaves the group finely poised. The Norway vs Senegal standings show Norway top on goal difference, level on points with France, both on three points.
Senegal sit third on zero points and badly need a result. This fixture is, in effect, a shootout for the second automatic qualification spot behind France. Under the 48-team format, the top two qualify automatically alongside the best third-placed sides, so a Norway win would be a huge step towards the knockouts, while defeat would blow the group wide open.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Group I Standings
After Matchday 1 • Norway lead the group on goal difference
| # |
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
GD |
Pts |
| 1 |
Norway |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
+3 |
3 |
| 2 |
France |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
+2 |
3 |
| 3 |
Senegal |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
-2 |
0 |
| 4 |
Iraq |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
-3 |
0 |
Qualify (top 2)
Best third-placed contention
Bottom
Norway and Senegal Players in English Football
This fixture is full of names familiar to UK fans, with both squads featuring plenty of Premier League quality.
Norway are led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, with Wolves forward Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer also in the squad.
Senegal can call on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr and Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr, while talisman Sadio Mané starred for Liverpool before moving to Saudi Arabia.
The EFL Connection: From the Championship to the World Cup
This tie is full of EFL flavour. Norway midfielder Sander Berge made his name in England with Sheffield United and Burnley, while defender Torbjorn Heggem now plays for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
Senegal carry strong EFL roots too. Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye broke through at Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr spent several productive seasons at Watford. For EFL followers, there is plenty to recognise on both sides in New Jersey.