Norway flew out of the traps at the 2026 World Cup by thrashing Iraq but now face a big step up in class as they take on Senegal in Group I.
The Norwegians headed into the tournament as dark horses after winning all eight of their qualifiers, with star man Erling Haaland netting 16 times.
They lived up to that status as Haaland scored twice in their 4-1 win over the Iraqis but we'll get a more accurate gauge of how dangerous they are in the final two group games with Senegal and France.
The Senegalese lost 3-1 to Les Bleus in their opener but still turned in a decent display and showed how big a threat they are going forward.
With this clash followed by a game against Iraq, the African side will believe they can get six points on the board and march into the knockout stages in high spirits.
But Norway are on a roll, losing just one of their last 17 matches, and it will take a big performance to burst their bubble.
How the bookies view it: Vikings to claim the spoils
This is a tough one to call with the teams pretty evenly matched but Bet365 reckon the Norwegians have the edge as they make them 23/20 favourites. Senegal are 21/10 shots and the draw will be a popular choice at 12/5.
Head to head: Twenty years in the making
These sides have faced off just once before and it came in a friendly 20 years ago. It was Senegal who came out on top, winning 2-1 in Dakar.
Players to watch: Haaland in the groove
It's hard to look past Haaland after such an impressive display against the Iraqis and the Norwegian talisman is 10/11 with Bet365 for another goal. Backing him to net a header boosts the odds to 5/1.
Nicolas Jackson fired blanks in Senegal's opener but hit the woodwork and was a big threat. The striker is a tempting 9/4 for over 1.5 shots on target and 6/4 to score or assist.
Probable line-ups
Norway should field the same side that battered Iraq but the Senegalese may consider a few changes. PSG kid Ibrahim Mbaye pushed his claims for a start by coming off the bench to score against France.
Norway: Nyland, Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe, Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes, Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhite, Diouf, Camara, Gana Gueye, Papa Gueye, Sarr, Jackson, Mane.
Anything else catch the eye?
I wouldn't be surprised if this match ended in a draw and these teams might size each other up in the first half. That makes the half-time draw a decent option at 6/5 with Bet365.
Sander Berge should anchor the midfield for Norway and he's a tempting 11/4 to commit over 1.5 fouls. The Fulham man only gave away one foul against Iraq but is up against a higher standard of opponent here.
Veteran stopper Kalidou Koulibaly will have his hands full with Haaland and is 11/4 to go in the book. The 34-year-old was booked twice for Al-Hilal when they played in the Club World Cup last summer in the USA.
If you fancy a punt on this mouthwatering clash, make sure you check out our guide to the top 2026 World Cup betting apps.
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