🇳🇴 Norway
Rating · Rank #15
Senegal 🇸🇳
Rating · Rank #19
Draw share: 26%. Model: Elo result distribution + Poisson score reference, re-calibrated after each played match. This site provides football data analysis for sports discussion only. It does not provide betting advice, gambling tips, odds, bookmaker links, or guaranteed outcomes.
Match preview
Norway and Senegal have played their Group I fixture, finishing 3–2. The pre-match model reference was 1–1, against the model's reference.
The result re-calibrates both ratings (Norway 1894, Senegal 1847) and feeds the projections for the rest of the group, where the model now has Norway finishing 2nd and Senegal 3rd.
Match context and talking points
This fixture has already finished 3-2, so the notes below work as post-match context alongside the final score. The model currently places Norway 2nd in Group I and Senegal 3rd, making the result relevant to qualification pressure and margin for error in later games.
Norway's main strengths are Haaland finishing and Odegaard creativity, while the chief concern to watch is Finals inexperience and Defensive depth. For Senegal, the standout qualities are Sturdy defense and Physical midfield, with Chance conversion and AFCON-to-World-Cup consistency the area to monitor.
Stylistically, the two sides contrast. Norway: Direct and physical, dangerous in transition and from wide deliveries. Senegal: Powerful and athletic, combining physicality with pace and flair in attack.
Strength comparison
Norway are the stronger side on our ratings, by 47 points.
Team data for this matchup
- FIFA rank
- 31st
- Head coach
- Ståle Solbakken
- Key player
- Erling Haaland
- Qualified
- UEFA (Europe)
- Best World Cup
- Round of 16 (1998)
Overview: Norway return after a long absence with a rare attacking ceiling built around Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
World Cup history: Norway are making their fourth World Cup appearance after 1938, 1994 and 1998. Their best finish was the Round of 16 in 1998, and 2026 ends a 28-year absence.
Recent form: Norway qualified with a perfect UEFA campaign and won Group I ahead of Italy.
2026 angle: Group I gives Norway a demanding but exciting test against France, Senegal and Iraq. With Haaland, they have a match-winner who can alter the expected hierarchy quickly.
- Haaland finishing
- Odegaard creativity
- Set-piece size
- Finals inexperience
- Defensive depth
- FIFA rank
- 15th
- Head coach
- Pape Thiaw
- Key player
- Sadio Mané
- Qualified
- CAF (Africa)
- Best World Cup
- Quarter-finals (2002)
Overview: Senegal are a physically strong, defensively secure African contender with enough attacking renewal to trouble elite opponents.
World Cup history: Senegal are making their fourth World Cup appearance and third in a row. Their best run remains the 2002 quarterfinal, which began with a famous win over France.
Recent form: Senegal qualified by winning CAF Group B, finishing the campaign strongly with a 4-0 win over Mauritania.
2026 angle: Group I immediately revives the France-Senegal World Cup storyline, while Norway and Iraq make the race for second competitive. Senegal's defensive base gives them a credible path to another knockout appearance.
- Sturdy defense
- Physical midfield
- Front-line variety
- Chance conversion
- AFCON-to-World-Cup consistency