Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026™
Stage: Group I
Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto
Full Time: Senegal 5-0 Iraq
Senegal secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq to keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign alive. The Teranga Lions entered the match needing a convincing win to strengthen their goal difference, and they delivered an outstanding performance. Iraq’s task became even more difficult after going down to 10 men in the opening stages. The result was enough for Senegal to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Senegal vs Iraq Match Summary
Senegal made a dream start and never looked back. They controlled possession, created regular chances, and took full advantage of their numerical superiority after Iraq’s early dismissal.
Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute after reacting quickest inside the penalty area. Eight minutes later, Iraq suffered a major setback when defender Rebin Sulaka received a straight red card following a VAR review for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Senegal continued to dominate after the break. Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute before substitute Pape Gueye scored less than two minutes after coming on. Gueye struck again in the 71st minute to complete his brace, while Iliman Ndiaye added a superb fifth goal in the 82nd minute to complete an emphatic victory.
Goalscorers
- 4′ Habib Diarra (Senegal)
- 56′ Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
- 59′ Pape Gueye (Senegal)
- 71′ Pape Gueye (Senegal)
- 82′ Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
Red Card
- 12′ Rebin Sulaka (Iraq)
Senegal vs Iraq Match Statistics
The numbers reflected Senegal’s complete control throughout the match.
- Possession: Senegal 69% – 31% Iraq
- Shots: Senegal 20 – 8 Iraq
- Shots on Target: Senegal 12 – 0 Iraq
- Passes: Senegal 574 – 271 Iraq
- Passing Accuracy: Senegal 89% – 70% Iraq
- Fouls: Senegal 10 – 11 Iraq
- Yellow Cards: Senegal 2 – 2 Iraq
- Red Cards: Senegal 0 – 1 Iraq
Senegal vs Iraq Tactical Analysis
Senegal dominated the match with patient possession and quick ball circulation. After Iraq were reduced to 10 players, Senegal stretched the pitch effectively and created space through the wide areas. Their substitutions also added fresh energy, allowing them to maintain a high tempo throughout the second half.
Iraq reorganised defensively after the early red card and spent long periods protecting their penalty area. However, playing with a numerical disadvantage limited their attacking opportunities, and they failed to register a shot on target.
Senegal vs Iraq Player Performances
Pape Gueye changed the game after coming off the bench, scoring twice and providing an assist in an outstanding substitute appearance. Ismaïla Sarr also impressed with a goal and constant attacking threat, while Iliman Ndiaye capped a strong display with a goal and an assist.
Habib Diarra set the tone with the opening goal, and Senegal’s defence remained solid throughout the contest to secure a comfortable clean sheet. Despite conceding five goals, Iraq’s goalkeepers produced several important saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.
Final Group I Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal Difference | Points |
| 1 | France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 9 |
| 2 | Norway | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| 3 | Senegal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +3 | 3 |
| 4 | Iraq | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -12 | 0 |
France finished top of Group I, while Norway secured second place. Senegal advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams thanks to their superior goal difference. Iraq finished bottom of the group after losing all three matches.
What the Result Means
Senegal’s commanding victory transformed their World Cup fortunes. The five-goal margin lifted their goal difference enough to secure a place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. It was a clinical and disciplined performance at a crucial moment.
For Iraq, the defeat brought a difficult campaign to an end. The early red card made an already challenging task even harder, and they exited the tournament without a point after three consecutive defeats.
