Mane and Haaland on stage: Norway-Senegal XIs

The starting XIs have been confirmed for Norway and Senegal in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I match. Both managers' choices are now clear ahead of this crucial game at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which could decide the group.

After beating Iraq 4-1 in their opener, Norway's manager Ståle Solbakken kept faith in the side that delivered the win. Örjan Nyland is in goal, with Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem and Wolfe in defence. Captain Martin Ødegaard operates in midfield alongside Berge and Aursnes; up front, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth flank striker Erling Haaland. Haaland, who scored twice in the opener, will again be the biggest threat to the Senegal defence. At their first World Cup since 1998, Norway aim to all but secure a last-32 berth with a win.

For Senegal, beaten 3-1 by France despite a strong display in their opener, manager Pape Thiaw kept faith in his star line-up. Édouard Mendy is in goal, with Diatta, captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Niakhate and Diouf in defence. The Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye pair operate in midfield; up front, Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane, with support from Lamine Camara, line up behind centre-forward Nicolas Jackson. This match is close to must-win for Senegal; a defeat could leave the African side on the brink of elimination.

Both teams are targeting three points here. The most crucial duel of the game will be between Norway's striker Haaland and Senegal's experienced defender Koulibaly. The balance between Ødegaard's creativity and Senegal's pace-and-power attack could decide the outcome.

Starting XIs
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berge, Ødegaard, Aursnes; Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth
Senegal (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Camara, Mane; Jackson

Image: Khel Now