Ismaïla Sarr put on a one-man show for Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring both of his team’s goals in a 3-2 loss to Norway on June 22. The Crystal Palace forward’s efforts, including a stoppage-time strike that briefly gave Senegal hope, weren’t enough to overcome an Erling Haaland-powered Norwegian attack.
The result leaves Senegal in a difficult position in Group I as the tournament, hosted in the United States, enters the business end of the group stage.
A tale of two halves, and one relentless Haaland
Norway drew first blood through Marcus Holmgren Pedersen in the 43rd minute, heading into the break with a slim lead. Then the second half opened like a highlight reel.
Haaland doubled Norway’s advantage just three minutes after the restart, scoring in the 48th minute. Sarr responded almost immediately, finding the net in the 53rd minute while falling, a finish that required equal parts athleticism and desperation.
