2026 World Cup: Norway vs. Senegal, Probable Lineups

Norway is looking to seal its spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, while Senegal aims to truly kick off its campaign after losing on the first matchday: the Lions of the Fjords and the Lions of Teranga face off on the night between Monday and Tuesday (Italian time) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, just a stone’s throw from New York City, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on the U.S. East Coast, while here the clock will read 2 a.m. Brazilian referee Sampaio, who officiated the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, will be in charge.

The Norwegians kicked off their World Cup campaign—their first since 1998—with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq: Erling Haaland immediately took center stage with a brace, Ostigard scored the third goal, and Hussein’s late own goal (after he had previously scored in the right net to temporarily tie the game at 1-1) sealed the deal. Coach Solbakken has no lineup issues but may decide to rest a couple of players ahead of the big match against France.

Senegal’s start seemed better than the final score against France would suggest: Pape Thiaw’s men held their own in the first half before the Mbappé storm hit them; Mbappé scored two goals, separated by one from Barcola and another for the Senegalese from the young talent Ibrahim Mbaye, born in 2008. Here, too, there are no squad issues, but it’s hard to imagine not fielding the best possible lineup: points are needed to keep the dream alive.

Probable lineups

NORWAY (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa. Head Coach: Solbakken.

SENEGAL (4-3-3): E. Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, E. Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mané. Head Coach: Thiaw.