World Cup 2026: Senegal vs Norway Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Senegal meet Norway at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Tuesday, with kickoff at 02:00 CAT. Senegal arrive under pressure after a 3-1 defeat by France left them without a point, while Norway sit top of Group I on goal difference following a 4-1 win over Iraq in which Erling Haaland scored twice. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Senegal

In my opinion, with Senegal unable to afford another loss, I expect Pape Thiaw to send out an attacking side led by Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson, with Ismaila Sarr stretching the flanks. They created enough against France to suggest the front line can hurt this Norway defence, even if the finishing let them down. My concern is at the back, where Kalidou Koulibaly and the full backs were exposed by quick transitions in the opener. Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye must control the midfield if Senegal are to dictate the tempo and keep their qualification hopes breathing.

Predicted Lineup: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; I. Gueye, Camara, P. Gueye; I. Sarr, Jackson, Mane.

Norway

Norway look the most settled side in the group to me, and Stale Solbakken has no fresh injury worries after the Iraq win. Haaland is in ruthless form with two goals already, backed by Alexander Sorloth and the pace of Antonio Nusa, while Martin Odegaard pulls the strings from midfield. A victory here would all but seal a spot in the knockout stage for a nation playing its first World Cup since 1998, so I expect them to attack with intent rather than sit on their goal difference. Norway scored 37 goals in a perfect eight-game qualifying campaign, and that attacking threat could expose the Senegalese defence.

Predicted Lineup: Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth.

I expect an open game between two sides who there is good reason to believe will challenge the goals, Senegal because they must chase the result and Norway because Haaland and Sorloth carry a constant threat. Senegal should find the net at home, but I cannot back their defence to keep this Norway attack quiet. My forecast: Senegal 1 Norway 2.

BTTS: Yes (1.71)

My read on this is that both teams will score, and the price of 1.71 looks like the value play. Senegal carry real attacking quality through Mane, Jackson and Sarr and need goals to revive their campaign, while Norway have scored in every recent outing and lead the line with an in form Haaland. With Senegal forced to push forward and leave gaps, I am backing goals at both ends.