Norway vs Senegal Predictions

• Senegal have avoided defeat in all but one of their competitive matches since the 2022 World Cup
• Norway have failed to beat their last three top-20 ranked opponents
• A draw may suit both teams, as long as Senegal beat Iraq in the final group game

Draw offers way forward for both

Two nations that opened their World Cup campaigns with polar opposite results meet in New Jersey on Monday as Norway and Senegal play out a huge Group I fixture. The winner of the clash should almost certainly go through with the loser likely to miss out on the round of 32 but there is another way forward for both teams.

A draw could do quite nicely for Norway, who eased away from Iraq to record a 4-1 win in Boston on Tuesday.  That would take them to four points and ensure a top-eight spot in the third-placed teams table, or even second place in the group. Likewise, Senegal would fancy their chances of reaching four points with a final group game against Iraq to come.

The Lions of Teranga put up a decent show against France, who finished off their chances well in the second half on a difficult surface at New York New Jersey Stadium. Pape Thiaw’s side should bounce back with a stout showing against a Norway side that are ranked below them for a reason.

Senegal can see off Haaland’s threat

While Stale Solbakken’s side can rack up a few goals against the likes of Iraq, Israel, Estonia and even Italy, they have struggled against their last three top-20-ranked opponents, losing to the Dutch and only drawing with Switzerland and Morocco.

Senegal have mixed it with some tough sides in the intervening years between World Cups, famously beating Morocco in extra time at the AFCON Final earlier this year only to be stripped of the title.

They have a better keeper than Norway, a stronger pool of defenders, midfielders with more energy and strikers with pace. Erling Haaland is obviously the main reason why Norway are where they are, but even he can have an off day. Back Senegal to at least draw this clash and take qualification to the final game.