Erling Haaland and Norway are preparing to face Senegal at the 2026 World Cup after heavy rain and flood warnings disrupted the build-up at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Manchester City striker is due to lead Norway in their second Group I match after scoring twice in the 4-1 opening win over Iraq. The fixture against Senegal is scheduled for Monday night local time at MetLife Stadium, but the pre-match picture was complicated when the seating bowl was briefly cleared and flash-flood risks were forecast around East Rutherford.
Roads near the stadium had standing water before kick-off, while emergency officials advised supporters to travel early and prioritise safety, according to a fresh update from AP.
Haaland’s City watch continues in difficult conditions
For Manchester City, the interest is obvious. Haaland’s World Cup has already started explosively, and another Norway win would push him closer to the knockout stage while maintaining his sharpness before the new club season.
The wider context also matters. Norway and France both opened Group I with victories, leaving Senegal under pressure after defeat in their first match. If conditions remain awkward, the game could become less about rhythm and more about concentration, territory and set-piece control.
That would still suit Haaland’s profile. City supporters will be watching whether he gets service in the box, how Norway manage the weather-hit occasion, and whether their striker can keep his golden-boot pace moving before a major group meeting with France later this week.
