Erling Haaland nets a double to help Norway overcome Senegal and advance to the knockout stage

Norway has secured a spot in the last 32 of the World Cup, thanks to a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Monday, with Erling Haaland scoring his second consecutive World Cup brace.

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Haaland's impressive performance was preceded by a goal from Norway substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who struck late in the first half in New Jersey, before Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the break.

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Ismaila Sarr managed to cut the deficit for Senegal, but Haaland quickly responded, punishing the team's slack defending and solidifying Norway's position in the knockout rounds.

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Despite a late consolation goal from Sarr, Norway's win, combined with Haaland's four goals in two games, has positioned them as a strong contender, with the Manchester City forward now hot on the heels of Lionel Messi's record 18 World Cup goals.

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Kylian Mbappe also scored a brace, leading France to a 3-0 victory over Iraq, setting the stage for a compelling battle between Norway and France for top spot in the group in Boston on Friday.

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Senegal, on the other hand, must beat Iraq in their final game to avoid an early exit, as they currently stand without a point.

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Norway's win marked their second consecutive World Cup victory, a first for the team, and was led by the unstoppable Haaland, who increased his international goals tally to 59 in 52 games.

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The team's dominant display against Senegal, who paid heavily for their errors, has added weight to the belief that Norway can make a significant impact at the World Cup finals.

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Norway quickly set the tone, with Kristoffer Ajer's header forcing Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into a terrific save, but they soon lost full-back Julian Ryerson to injury.

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Captain Martin Odegaard missed an inviting cut-back from the right, while Nicolas Jackson posed a threat for Senegal, and Mendy made a superb block to deny Odegaard after Haaland cushioned down Antonio Nusa's chipped cross.

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Mendy's mistake allowed Pedersen's low drive to creep under him, giving Norway the lead, after a dreadful error from skipper Kalidou Koulibaly gave the ball to the replacement right-back on the edge of the box.

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Haaland rolled against the post from a tight angle, but made amends three minutes into the second half, slicing Senegal apart on the counter-attack and burying an emphatic finish past Mendy.

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Senegal managed to claw their way back, with Sarr showing great composure to poke home after tumbling to the ground, following a clever flick into the area by Sadio Mane.

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However, Koulibaly was at fault once more, failing to clear as Haaland steered a volley in off the crossbar from Patrick Berg's cross, delighting Norwegian fans with their viral rowing chant.

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Mory Diaw replaced the injured Mendy in goal, but a headed goalline clearance from Pathe Ciss prevented Oscar Bobb from netting Norway's fourth, and Sarr's second goal set up a tense finish.

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Norway ultimately held on to join France in the next round, leaving Senegal's hopes hanging by a thread, with Norway having lost only once in their last 18 matches.