FIFA World Cup 2026: Senegal Hit Five Past Iraq to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Senegal reignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I clash at Toronto Stadium, keeping alive hopes of reaching the last 32 as one of the best third-place finishers.
The Lions of Teranga struck early when Habib Diarra bundled home from close range after Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner in the fourth minute.
Iraq’s task became even harder moments later when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Senegal doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half, capitalising on a defensive error by Zidane Iqbal. Lamine Camara pounced and squared for Ismaïla Sarr, who fired in his third goal of the tournament.
Substitute Pape Gueye then stole the show, scoring twice in quick succession. Just 89 seconds after coming on, he lashed home from the edge of the box, before adding a second with another powerful strike in the 71st minute.
Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a stunning 20-yard effort in the closing stages.
The emphatic win lifted Senegal to third in Group I with three points, behind France and Norway, while Iraq finished bottom after three defeats.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged his side must now wait to see if results elsewhere secure their passage to the knockout rounds.
