Senegal produced a dominant display to defeat Iraq 5-0 in their final Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing third place in the group while significantly boosting their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Knowing only a large-margin victory would keep their World Cup hopes alive, Senegal wasted little time asserting themselves.
Just four minutes into the contest, Habib Diarra fired a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner following a well-worked corner routine to hand the African side the perfect start.
Led by experienced stars Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and Ismaïla Sarr, Senegal dominated possession and repeatedly stretched Iraq’s defence with their pace and attacking movement.
The situation worsened for Iraq in the 12th minute when central defender Rebin Sulaka received a straight red card after bringing down Mané as the Senegal captain threatened to break through on goal.
Despite playing with ten men for most of the match, Iraq defended courageously throughout the remainder of the first half, frustrating Senegal despite the overwhelming pressure. Although the Lions managed 12 attempts before the interval, they were unable to extend their lead before halftime.
Senegal resumed the second half with relentless attacking intent. Mané squandered a golden opportunity in the 51st minute, missing from close range after an inviting cross from Ibrahim Mbaye, but the breakthrough soon arrived.
In the 56th minute, Iraq midfielder Zidane Iqbal lost possession just outside his own penalty area. Mané quickly recovered the ball before delivering a dangerous cross that Ismaïla Sarr converted from close range to double Senegal’s advantage.
The second goal completely shifted the momentum.
Just three minutes later, Pape Gueye curled a magnificent long-range effort beyond goalkeeper Ahmed Basil to make it 3-0, effectively ending Iraq’s resistance.
Substitute Papa Amadou Diallo Gueye then made an immediate impact, finishing confidently in the 71st minute after another flowing Senegalese attack to add a fourth goal.
The scoring was completed in the 82nd minute when Iliman Ndiaye produced an outstanding finish from a tight angle, sealing an emphatic 5-0 victory and sparking celebrations among the Senegal supporters.
The comprehensive win dramatically improved Senegal’s standing among the competition’s third-placed teams.
The commanding result saw Senegal finish with three points and a +2 goal difference, placing them ahead of South Korea (3 points, -1) and Scotland (3 points, -3) in the race for the remaining knockout-stage berths.
While Senegal’s qualification is still dependent on the outcomes in other groups, the five-goal triumph has placed Pape Thiaw’s side in a strong position to claim one of the remaining Round of 32 places reserved for the tournament’s best third-placed finishers.
After a difficult start to their World Cup campaign, Senegal have given themselves renewed hope—and ensured their journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could yet continue.
Credit Photo : Iraq FA
