Erling Haaland, Norway celebrates Round of 32 qualification with Viking row. Video

Norway will be heading to the Round of 32 and have decided to celebrate with their passionate fans by recreating the iconic Vikings lineup in New York. Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in a thrilling match to qualify for the next round alongside France.

FIFA World Cup Norway vs Senegal: Highlights

After the game ended, Haaland and the other Norwegian players sat on the ground in formation, ready to replicate the Vikings’ line. Captain Martin Odegaard beat the drum hard and the fans provided the noise that echoed around the stadium. You can watch the full video below:

The celebration was part of Norway’s traveling fans who lured the players right out of World Cup qualification as they returned to the tournament after 28 years.

HOW NORWAY BREAKED SENEGAL

Norway’s dominance in the opening half finally paid off in the 43rd minute after a costly defensive lapse by Senegal. Kalidou Koulibaly failed to clear a loose ball inside the area, allowing Marcus Pedersen to pounce and smash his effort beyond Edouard Mendy to hand the Scandinavians the lead.

The Norwegians threatened to extend their advantage and create clearer openings before the break. Mendy denied them with two impressive saves, while Erling Haaland went close to the post just before half-time.

Haaland needed little time after the restart to assert himself. Three minutes into the second half, Martin Odegaard threaded a perfectly timed ball into the striker’s path and the Manchester City forward made no mistake as he headed into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Senegal intervened almost immediately. In the 53rd minute, Sadio Mane cut through the Norwegian defense with precision and Ismaila Sarr shrugged and calmly slotted home to reduce.

Norway restored their two-goal lead five minutes later when Senegal again failed to clear the danger. Patrick Berg’s cross was picked out by Haaland, who met it first time with a stunning volley that clipped the crossbar to take his World Cup tally to four goals in just two games.

Sarr grabbed his second goal in stoppage time to set up a nervy finish but Norway stayed calm to seal all three points and secure one of the first knockout places in Group I.

The win also sets the stage for a blockbuster clash with France on Friday, June 27 (IST), where both teams are tied on points and the top spot in the group is up for grabs.

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Published on:

23 Jun 2026 07:49 IST