Senegal kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in Toronto. The victory boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Lions of Teranga finished third in Group I with three points and significantly improved their goal difference. However, their fate now depends on results from the remaining group-stage matches.
Senegal made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes when Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner deflected off Habib Diarra and beat Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
Iraq’s task became even harder in the 13th minute when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off after pulling down Sadio Mane outside the penalty area. Referee Anthony Taylor upgraded the offence to a red card following a VAR review for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Despite dominating the first half, Senegal had to wait until the 56th minute to double their lead. Ismaila Sarr finished from close range after Iraq midfielder Zidane Iqbal lost possession near his own box.
Substitute Pape Gueye then struck twice in quick succession, scoring superb long-range efforts in the 59th and 71st minutes. Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with Senegal’s fifth goal late in the game.
The emphatic win pushed Senegal into contention for a place in the last 32 while also dealing a major blow to Scotland’s hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Senegal must now wait for other results to determine whether their impressive victory will be enough to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
