Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to reach the 2026 World Cup round of 32, giving Manchester City another reminder of his brutal summer rhythm.
City confirmed that Haaland’s brace helped Norway move onto six points from two group matches, with the striker central to a result that secured progression, according to Manchester City’s official World Cup round-up.
For Norway, it was a landmark night. For City, it was another data point in a tournament where their No 9 is already looking sharp, confident and relentlessly efficient.
Haaland’s form is a City boost and a workload watch
The positive is obvious. Haaland scoring in bunches before the club season restarts is exactly the sort of rhythm City want from their centre-forward, especially after a campaign in which attacking certainty remains central to their identity.
The only caution is workload. Norway’s progress means more tournament football, more intensity and less recovery time before City’s own pre-season planning tightens.
Still, this is the trade-off elite clubs accept. Haaland is at the World Cup to decide matches, and he is doing precisely that. City will monitor the minutes, but they will also know that a confident Haaland returning from a major tournament can change the temperature of an entire season before August.
