The Most NYC Match of the Group Stage
Every World Cup group stage match at MetLife Stadium has a New York community attached to it. But June 22 is different. Norway vs Senegal at MetLife is the only group stage match where both teams have their primary United States fan communities in New York City — Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for Norway's Norwegian-American community, and West 116th Street in Harlem for Senegal's West African diaspora. Two neighborhoods. One stadium. Ten miles apart.
The match kicks off at a time TBC on June 22 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ — 45 minutes by NJ Transit from Penn Station for fans from both communities.
The Key Matchup: Haaland vs the Senegal Defense
Norway's attack runs through Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has scored 55 goals in 49 international appearances — a rate that belongs in a video game. Senegal's defense is led by Kalidou Koulibaly, the Al-Hilal captain and one of the best center-backs of his generation. This is the match's defining individual battle: can Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté contain the most physically imposing striker in the tournament? In 2022, Haaland didn't play at the World Cup — Norway didn't qualify. This is his first time, and the world is watching.
The Other Battle: Ødegaard vs Senegal's Midfield
Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal, captain) is the player who makes Norway function. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, turn, and find the right pass is what creates the space Haaland needs. Senegal's midfield — Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton, 131 caps), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Lamine Camara (Monaco) — is one of the most experienced and physically committed midfields in the tournament. If they can stop Ødegaard from dictating tempo, Norway have a problem.
Mané's Return
Sadio Mané came out of international retirement to join this squad. He is 34. He has 53 goals in 126 appearances for Senegal — the all-time top scorer. He announced his retirement months ago and then reversed it specifically for this tournament. If this is his last World Cup — and it almost certainly is — the June 22 match against Norway at MetLife is the one that could define his farewell. Bay Ridge will be watching. So will 116th Street.
Group I Context
After matchday 1, France beat Senegal at MetLife and Norway beat Iraq in Foxborough. The June 22 matchday 2 fixtures are Norway vs Senegal (MetLife) and France vs Iraq (Philadelphia). Both matches are decisive for who advances. The winner of Norway vs Senegal has a strong path to the Round of 32. The loser faces a must-win against France.
For NYC Fans
Bay Ridge (Norway fans): Take the R train north to Penn Station, NJ Transit to Secaucus, Meadowlands shuttle to MetLife. Or watch on 86th Street in Bay Ridge where Norwegian flags will be out. Harlem (Senegal fans): A/C/B/D to 116th Street. The street will be a fan zone in itself before and after the match. For MetLife: A/C/B/D south to 34th Street, walk to Penn Station, NJ Transit to Secaucus.