Haaland’s Norway meets a cornered Senegal: How to watch the World Cup 2026 clash

As Erling Haaland looks to build on his blistering start, Senegal faces a must-win scenario in this pivotal Group I encounter at MetLife Stadium.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, and if the opening week is any indication, the tournament is shaping up to be a collision of titans and dark horses. While the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have already staked their claims with vintage performances, all eyes this Monday, June 22, turn to the New York-New Jersey region. Norway, arguably the tournament’s most dangerous dark horse, faces off against a Senegal side desperate to salvage their campaign after a difficult start.

The Stakes at MetLife

Norway enters this Monday fixture brimming with confidence. Their 4-1 dismantling of Iraq was a statement of intent, headlined by a clinical brace from Erling Haaland and a contribution from Leo Ostigard. For Senegal, the mood is markedly different. Following a 3-1 defeat to France in their opener, the Lions of Teranga find themselves in a precarious position. Ibrahim Mbaye’s lone goal in the loss offered a glimmer of hope, but they will need a significantly tighter defensive display to stall the Norwegian juggernaut.

How to watch

For those tracking the fifa today match live action from the United States, the game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET. English-language coverage is available on FOX and FS1, while Spanish-language broadcasts will be carried by Telemundo and Universo. Fans looking to stream the match can utilize platforms like Fubo or the FOX Sports app. Those viewing from abroad or looking to bypass regional blackouts may rely on VPN services to ensure they catch every minute of the sports drama as it unfolds.

Why it matters: The tactical narrative

This match is more than just a Group I fixture; it is a test of structural integrity versus pure attacking flair. Norway’s ability to find the back of the net has been prolific—they currently rank eighth in the tournament for goals scored—but their defense remains untested against a high-pressing side. For Senegal, the objective is survival. Another loss would leave them on the brink of elimination, making this a high-pressure environment for a team that showed flashes of potential against France. The tactical battle between Norway’s directness and Senegal’s need for defensive cohesion will likely define the outcome of the group.

The bigger picture

The 2026 World Cup is rapidly clarifying which teams have the depth to endure the group stages. While heavyweights like Argentina and France have already shown they can manage results without peaking too early, the "dark horse" label attached to Norway is beginning to look like an understatement. As the tournament progresses toward the last 32, this match at MetLife Stadium will serve as a bellwether for whether the established hierarchy can hold off the rising challengers. For the neutral viewer, it is a high-stakes encounter where one team is playing for momentum and the other for its very life in the tournament.