2026 FIFA World Cup — Group I, Matchday 2 | June 22 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal was a tactical triumph built on the Odegaard-Haaland connection. The Arsenal midfielder and the Manchester City striker combined to devastating effect, with Odegaard’s progressive passing repeatedly finding Haaland’s runs behind Senegal’s high defensive line.

Odegaard’s Distribution

Odegaard completed 47 of 52 passes (90 percent), but the raw numbers understate his influence. He played five progressive passes into the final third, three of which directly created shooting opportunities. His assist for Haaland’s first goal in the 48th minute was the standout moment — a perfectly weighted through-ball that split Senegal’s centre-backs and allowed Haaland to finish first-time.

Odegaard’s heat map shows he operated primarily in the right half-space, mirroring the positioning he uses at Arsenal. From this area, he could receive the ball on the half-turn and access Haaland’s runs with his stronger left foot. Senegal’s midfield — Gueye and Mendy — struggled to track his movement, and he consistently found pockets of space between the lines.

Haaland’s Off-Ball Movement

Haaland’s two goals took him to four for the tournament, but his off-ball movement was equally important. He made 14 sprints into the penalty area, constantly testing Senegal’s defensive line. His average position was higher than any other Norwegian outfield player, and he spent 62 percent of the match in the attacking third.

The key tactical battle was Haaland vs Koulibaly. Senegal’s captain had a night to forget — two errors leading directly to goals — but Haaland’s movement was a factor in both. On the first goal, Haaland’s run forced Koulibaly into a rushed clearance that fell to Pedersen. On the second, Haaland anticipated the error before it happened, already moving towards the ball as Koulibaly hesitated.

Group I Standings

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 France 2 2 0 0 6 1 +5 6
2 Norway 2 2 0 0 7 3 +4 6
3 Senegal 2 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
4 Iraq 2 0 0 2 1 7 -6 0

Match Details:

KONGSI 𝕏 f W ✉