Norway and Senegal, will face an important match for the knockout ticket of the World Cup 2026

Norway are on top of Group I after their impressive win in the first match, and they have a chance to complete their mission of reaching the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 immediately when they face Senegal this Monday in East Rutherford.

The Scandinavians are full of confidence, brought by a 4-1 win against Iraq where Erling Haaland appeared who immediately scored two goals. With Leo Østigård's score and an own goal, Norway topped the group thanks to a superior goal difference, only to 2022 runner-up France.

A win against Senegal would cement Norway's place in the top 32, a rare achievement for the team rejoining the World Cup finals after more than twenty years. Additionally, Norway regained their momentum after a poor preparation, with just one win in their last four games before the tournament began.

However, the team still has concerns about their defence, as they have kept just one clean sheet in the last seven games, and have continued to leak goals in three straight matches. But they haven't lost in four matches, so the morale of the troops is still high.

In team news, David Møller Wolfe and Julian Ryerson have recovered from minor injuries and are expected to play. There will be consistency in the lineup, and Haaland will once again be the mainstay of the attack.

Meanwhile, Senegal is in a more difficult situation after being defeated by France, 3-1. Ibrahim Mbaye made history as the youngest African goalscorer at the World Cup, but they failed to seize the moment. Their rocky road continues, following a three match winless streak.

Senegal need to avoid defeat if they want to keep up with the race to the knockout phase, especially if France wins in Iraq on the other hand. It's good that there are no injury concerns in the team and coach Pape Thiaw's options are full, but he is faced with a decision on how to divide their offense, especially since Mbaye is stepping up and putting pressure on veterans like Ismaïla Sarr.

Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, and Sadio Mané are expected to continue attacking Senegal's frontline in the must-win match.

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Important points before the match: - Norway's offense was sharp, led by Haaland and had four goals in the opener - Senegal is winless in three consecutive matches, under pressure to recover - The defense of both sides is weak - Norway is complete and fit, the Senegal squad is also complete which will raise the level of the battle

Analysis: The encounter is expected to be open and fast, as each team has both weapons up front but questions in defense. Norway is slightly in favor because of Haaland's strength, but Senegal will not give up just because they need the point. There is a high probability of the match ending in a draw with many goals.

Prediction: Table Best odds: 23/10 from 888sport

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