Senegal vs Iraq: Must-Win World Cup Group Match in Toronto
Senegal faces Iraq in a critical final Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto. Both teams are winless with zero points and must win by a large margin to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Senegal, after losses to France and Norway, aims to surpass their 2002 quarterfinal run. Iraq, already eliminated from top-two contention, seeks their first win. Key players like Sadio Mané and Aymen Hussein (injured) are factors, with over 20,000 Iraqi diaspora expected to support.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
2026 World Cup: Pape Gueye Inspires Senegal's Dramatic Qualification Miracle
Senegal secured a dramatic last-minute qualification for the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Iraq 5-0. After losing their first two group matches against France and Norway, the Lions of Teranga needed a decisive victory to revive their hopes. Midfielder Pape Gueye came off the bench to score a spectacular brace, including two powerful long-range strikes, turning the match decisively in Senegal's favor. An early red card for Iraq made the task easier. Senegal's win, combined with a draw between Iran and Egypt in another group, allowed them to sneak into the knockout stage as the last of the best third-placed teams. Coach Pape Thiaw praised the team's performance, and Gueye dedicated his goals to former star El-Hadji Diouf. Senegal now prepares to face Belgium in the round of 16.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert2026 World Cup: Sadio Mané Thanks Egypt as Senegal Qualifies for Round of 16
Senegal secured a dramatic qualification to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense wait. After losing their first two matches, the Lions of Teranga bounced back with a resounding 5-0 victory over Iraq. However, their fate depended on results from other groups, specifically the match between Egypt and Iran. Sadio Mané, the Senegalese star forward, was closely watching the Egypt-Iran game and posted an Instagram story expressing his support for Egypt, acknowledging a nod to former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah. Egypt's draw with Iran proved sufficient to send Senegal through as one of the best third-placed teams, officially confirming their place in the knockout stage.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSenegal Qualifies for World Cup Round of 16
Senegal has officially qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup despite starting poorly with two defeats. The Lions of Teranga secured their spot after a decisive 5-0 victory against Iraq on Friday, combined with favorable results from matches overnight Friday to Saturday. They are currently fifth in the ranking of the best third-placed teams, ensuring they cannot fall below the eighth and final qualifying spot. Their next opponent is not yet determined but could be England. The qualification marks a remarkable turnaround for the Senegalese team after a difficult start to the tournament.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSenegal Qualifies for 2026 World Cup Round of 16 After 5-0 Win Over Iraq
Senegal's national football team, the Lions of Teranga, secured a dramatic qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after bouncing back from two earlier group stage defeats. In a must-win match on Friday evening, June 26, 2026, Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0, and overnight results from other groups confirmed their advancement. This result brought huge relief to the team and its fans, as they had been under intense pressure following their initial losses. The victory demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under high stakes. The match took place in the context of the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The article is sourced from RMC Sport (BFMTV) and includes additional links to related World Cup coverage such as France's upcoming matches and the tournament bracket.
Home Football - actualitésSenegal Coach Pape Thiaw: 'Now We Have to Wait' After 5-0 World Cup Victory Over Iraq
Senegal's national football team secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final first-round match of the World Cup, earning three points and keeping their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 alive. Despite the convincing win, head coach Pape Thiaw expressed measured satisfaction, noting that improvement is still needed. Senegal currently sits in fifth place among the best third-placed teams in the group stage, with qualification dependent on the outcomes of matches involving Cape Verde, Belgium (overnight Friday to Saturday), and DR Congo (overnight Saturday to Sunday). The top eight third-placed teams will advance. Thiaw acknowledged the support of the entire country as a motivating factor, stating the team gives its all to make the nation happy.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSenegal Coach Pape Thiaw Hails Substitutes After 4-0 Win Over Iraq in World Cup Qualifier
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw praised his substitutes after a commanding 4-0 victory over Iraq in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The win, which moved Senegal to third place in the group, kept their qualification hopes alive following two narrow defeats to France and Norway. Thiaw noted that Iraq employed a low block and caused problems in the first half, but tactical adjustments at halftime and strong performances from substitutes—notably Pape Gueye, who scored twice—turned the match. Thiaw expressed satisfaction with the team's response and acknowledged that the competition may continue for Senegal, though the team must now wait for other results. The victory reflects the selector's successful strategic choices and the squad's depth.
RecordSenegal Hopes for Knockout Stage After Five-Goal Victory Over Iraq
On June 26, 2026, Senegal secured a crucial landslide victory against Iraq in the FIFA World Cup, winning by a five-goal margin. The victory significantly boosts Senegal's chances of advancing to the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams. The match highlights are available in a video published by WELT. The article emphasizes the importance of this win for Senegal's tournament progression, as they now hope to qualify from the group stage despite not finishing in the top two positions. The outcome places Senegal in a favorable position among third-place contenders.
Nachrichten - WELTSenegal Thrashes Iraq 5-0 in 2026 World Cup Group I Matchday 3
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in Matchday 3 of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The African team, led by a brace from Villarreal's Gueye, dominated the match and now hopes to advance to the round of 32 as the third-place team in the group. The victory was a comprehensive thrashing, with Senegal controlling the game from start to finish. The result keeps Senegal's World Cup dreams alive as they await the final group standings. The match was played on June 26, 2026, and was covered by AS Football. The article also includes a link to download the AS app and a related story about Mbappé's substitution.
F√∫tbol en AS.comFIFA error broadcasts referee Anthony Taylor's VAR discussions live during Senegal vs Iraq World Cup match
During the 2026 World Cup group stage match between Senegal and Iraq in Toronto, Canada, FIFA's television camera placement inadvertently broadcast live conversations between referee Anthony Taylor and the VAR room. The blunder occurred as Taylor reviewed a red card decision against Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka for a foul on Senegal's Sadio Mane. Viewers heard the referee's reasoning process and final decision. Senegal won 5-0, with goals from Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye (2), and Iliman Ndiaye, boosting their goal difference. The result also impacted Scotland's knockout stage hopes as Senegal moved ahead of them in the third-place qualification table.
Mirror - FootballSenegal thrash ten-man Iraq to boost hopes of reaching last 32
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match at Toronto Stadium, significantly improving their chances of advancing to the round of 32 as one of the top eight third-placed teams. Ilimand Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each contributed a goal and an assist in the dominant performance. Iraq played with ten men for much of the match. The result puts Senegal in contention for qualification despite finishing third in the group.
BBC SportSenegal thrash 10-man Iraq 5-0 to boost World Cup last-32 hopes
Senegal dominated 10-man Iraq in a 5-0 victory at Toronto Stadium in their final World Cup 2026 Group I match. Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each contributed a goal and an assist, powering Senegal to a comprehensive win. The result significantly boosts Senegal's chances of advancing to the last 32 as one of the top eight third-placed teams. Iraq played a man down for much of the match, struggling to contain Senegal's attacking prowess. The victory puts Senegal in contention for a knockout stage spot, pending other group results.
BBC SportSenegal routs 10-man Iraq 5-0 to keep World Cup last-32 hopes alive
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in their Group I World Cup finale in Toronto, keeping alive their hopes of advancing to the last 32 as one of the best third-place teams. Substitute Pape Gueye scored two stunning long-range goals in the second half, adding to strikes by Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Iliman Ndiaye. Iraq played most of the match with 10 men after defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity. The win boosted Senegal's goal difference to +2, placing them fifth among third-place teams, with four teams below them yet to play. Iraq were eliminated from their second World Cup, and first since 1986, still seeking their first tournament points.
Football | The GuardianSenegal thrash Iraq 5-0 to keep World Cup last-32 hopes alive
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match of the 2026 World Cup, keeping alive their hopes of advancing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Substitute Pape Gueye scored two second-half long-range goals, while Ismaïla Sarr added his third goal of the tournament. Senegal finished third in the group with a +2 goal difference, currently holding the fifth-best record among third-place sides, though four teams below have yet to play. Iraq, already eliminated, played with 10 men from the 13th minute after defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and Iliman Ndiaye netted a late long-range effort. The result eliminated Iraq from their second World Cup and first since 1986.
Football | The GuardianFIFA World Cup: Senegal routs 10-man Iraq to stay in World Cup hunt
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup group stage match on June 26, 2026, in Toronto, keeping their hopes alive for advancing to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Senegal took an early lead in the fourth minute when Abdoulaye Seck's header deflected off teammate Habib Diarra into the net. Iraq was reduced to 10 men in the 12th minute after defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off following a VAR review for pulling down Sadio Mane. Senegal dominated after halftime, with goals from Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, and a double from Pape Gueye. The win ended Iraq's chances of reaching the knockout stages.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Senegal Thrash Iraq 5-0; Pape Gueye Stars with Two Goals and Assist
Senegal dominated Iraq 5-0 in a World Cup group stage match, keeping their qualification hopes alive. Pape Gueye, coming off the bench, scored two powerful second-half goals and provided an assist. Iraq played with ten men from the 10th minute after Sulaka's red card. Senegal's first goal came from Diarra in the 3rd minute, followed by Ismaïla Sarr's strike before halftime. Gueye added two thunderous left-footed goals and Ndiaye scored the fifth. Senegal had 69.3% possession, 28 shots, and generated 3.03 xG compared to Iraq's 0.18. The win puts Senegal in position to advance to the round of 16, pending other results.
Fútbol en AS.comSenegal Wins 5-0 Against Iraq but Faces Nervous Wait for World Cup Knockout Stage Qualification
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, securing third place in Group I. The match featured a red card for Iraq's Sulaka after a VAR review, an early goal from Seck, and multiple second-half strikes including two from Pape Gueye. Despite the emphatic victory, Senegal must wait for results from other groups to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Iraq, making only their second World Cup appearance, exit the tournament without a point. The article also notes referee Anthony Taylor's involvement, reminding readers of his missed handball call in the Germany-Spain Euro 2024 quarterfinal.
BILD - SportSenegal Defeats Iraq 5-0 but Still Fears World Cup Elimination
Senegal achieved a decisive 5-0 victory over Iraq in the 2026 World Cup Group I match, with goals from Seck (4th minute), Sarr (56th), Pape Gueye (59th and 72nd), and Ndiaye (82nd). The match also saw a red card for Iraq's Sulaka after VAR intervention by referee Taylor. Despite the win, Senegal only climbed to fifth place among third-placed teams and faces potential elimination if five other third-placed teams surpass them. The team's star player Sadio Mané, at age 34, played a key role in the victory. Iraq left the tournament without any points in their second World Cup appearance.
BILD - SportSenegal Thrashes Iraq 5-0 in 2026 World Cup, Keeps Hopes Alive for Round of 16
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in a 2026 World Cup group stage match on June 26, 2026, keeping their qualification hopes alive for the Round of 16. After losing to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) in their first two matches, Senegal needed a large victory to have a chance as one of the best third-placed teams. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 4th minute, Iraq was reduced to 10 men in the 16th minute, and Senegal scored four more goals in the second half. Ismaïla Sarr became Senegal's all-time top World Cup scorer with his goal. Pape Gueye scored twice after coming off the bench, and Iliman Ndiaye added the final goal. The result leaves Senegal fifth among third-placed teams with a positive goal difference (+2), but their qualification still depends on results from other matches. If they advance, they would face England.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSenegal Crushes Iraq 5-0 in World Cup Group I, Pape Gueye Stars with Brace
Senegal delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq in a FIFA World Cup Group I match played in Toronto, Canada, on June 26, 2026. The Lions of Teranga, coached by Pape Thiaw and including former 2002 squad veteran El-Hadji Diouf on staff, moved closer to the round of 32. Abdoulaye Seck opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a header from a corner. Iraq was reduced to ten men in the 13th minute after defender Rebin Sulaka received a red card for fouling Sadio Mané. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute, and substitute Pape Gueye, a Villarreal midfielder, scored twice — including a stunning long-range strike — in the 59th and 71st minutes. Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a fifth goal in the 82nd minute. Senegal's win positions them to advance as one of the best third-place teams, pending other results.
FútbolSenegal thrash Iraq 5-0 to boost World Cup knockout hopes
Senegal defeated Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match of the 2026 World Cup in Toronto, keeping their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams alive. Both teams had lost their opening two matches to France and Norway, making a win by a large margin essential. Senegal took the lead in the 4th minute when Habib Diarra deflected Abdoulaye Seck's header. Iraq's Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 15th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, reducing Iraq to 10 men. After a scoreless first half, Senegal scored four more goals in the second half. Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye (who scored twice, including one at 132 km/h), and Iliman Ndiaye all found the net. The victory is the biggest win by an African nation in World Cup history.
SkySports | News