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Norway will face their first major test at the 2026 World Cup when they take on Senegal in their second Group I game on Tuesday.
The Teranga Lions head into this clash looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to France in the opening game.
Conversely, the Vikings, who are slight favourites in our World Cup betting guide's outright winner odds after an impressive start to the tournament, are full of confidence after thrashing Iraq in their first match.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Norway vs. Senegal key stats
- Senegal defeated Norway 2-1 in their only previous meeting, a 2006 international friendly.
- Norway have kept only two clean sheets in their last nine international games across all competitions.
- Senegal have scored in four of their last five games across all competitions.
Norway vs. Senegal preview: Taranga Lions face huge test in looking for first win
| Norway | vs | Senegal |
|---|---|---|
| 31st | FIFA Ranking | 15th |
| Orjan Nyland (72) | Most Caps | Idrissa Gueye (132) |
| Erling Haaland (57) | Most Goals | Sadio Mane (55) |
| 817 | Total Caps | 1001 |
| 124 | Total Goals | 130 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
After an impressive start to the tournament, Norway will be looking to claim another victory, which could secure their place in the last 32.
Stale Solbakken's side opened their World Cup campaign with a dominant 4-1 win over Iraq, with Erling Haaland leading the way with two first-half goals.
Over 2.5 goals was scored in their last international friendly games.
Leo Ostigard also got on the scoresheet before an own goal late in the match completed the victory. The win moved Norway to the top of Group I, ahead of France on goal difference.
The result continued the strong form Norway showed during qualification, where they won all eight of their matches.
Confidence is high in the team, although their recent form before the tournament was not perfect, with just one win from their final four warm-up games.
Defensively, they have also struggled at times, keeping only two clean sheets in their last nine matches across all competitions.
Senegal, meanwhile, are under pressure after losing their opening game. The African side were beaten 3-1 by France despite showing moments of promise.
Ibrahim Mbaye scored Senegal's only goal, but a brace from Kylian Mbappe and another strike from Bradley Barcola gave France all three points.
That defeat means the Teranga Lions cannot afford another loss if they are to keep their hopes of finishing in the top two alive.
Senegal and Norway scored against each other in their last friendly meeting.
Recent results have also been disappointing for Pape Thiaw's team, who lost a friendly against the United States and drew with Saudi Arabia before the tournament began.
Despite their current struggles, Senegal can take confidence from their only previous meeting with Norway.
The Lions of Teranga won that friendly 2-1 in 2006 and will hope to produce another strong performance as they fight to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Norway vs. Senegal form guide & betting tips
| Norway | vs | Senegal |
|---|---|---|
LDWDW |
Form | WWLDL |
| 9 | Goals For | 8 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 7 |
W |
World Cup | L |
Whispers predicts: Norway 2-1 Senegal
Norway head into this game in good form, with their attacking quality, spearheaded by the clinical Erling Haaland.
However, they face a quality Senegalese side, who will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against France.
The bookmakers have tipped Norway to win at 23/20 (2.15), while a draw is currently valued at 12/5 (3.40).
A victory for Senegal is priced at 9/4 (3.25), offering great value for those who believe the African giants will prevail.
In addition to the primary match outcomes, several alternative betting markets offer excellent value. The odds for over 2.5 goals are set at 10/11 (1.91).
Both teams to score is valued at 3/4 (1.75), which is a very strong proposition, as neither side has kept regular clean sheets.
Also, another option to consider is Erling Haaland scoring at any time in the game, which is priced at 9/10 (1.90).
> Norway to win at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 3/4 (1.75) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) | Likelihood: Possible
> Haaland to score anytime at 9/10 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable