A first ever FIFA World Cup clash between Senegal and Iraq awaits as Africa and Asia collide in this Group I closer.
Group I
Saturday, 27 June | Toronto Stadium
Kick-off time
03:00 (GMT+8)
The match
Senegal and Iraq are set to clash for the first time at FIFA World Cup™ level when they lock horns in this Group I closer in Toronto. Senegal are featuring at the global finals for the third consecutive edition while it’s just a second outing for an Iraq side that lost all three group-stage matches on debut at Mexico 1986.
Both sides still have hope of advancing despite losses in their first two encounters. Senegal fell 3-1 to France in their opener and then 3-2 to Norway, while Iraq suffered 4-1 and 3-0 losses to Norway and France respectively. A draw does neither any good, but a win with a sizable goal difference and other results going their way could pave the way to the Round of 32.
Should Senegal or Iraq’s third place be enough to progress from Group I, then there are six potential matches against the winners of groups A, B, D, G, K or L.
Senegal possible starting XI
Mendy; Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diatta, Diouf; I.G. Gueye, P.Gueye, L.Camara; I. Sarr, Jackson, Mane
Iraq possible starting XI
Basil; Hussein Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al Ammari, Zaid Ismael, Iqbal; Qasem, Hussein
What they said…
“The defeat against Norway was a tough one because we had prepped very well – unfortunately we lost. But that’s life. The team is hungry for more and wants to win tomorrow. It’s important for our country and our flag. It’s sort of a final against Iraq. If we want to stay in the tournament we need to win it. Iraq has a great tactical approach and they put their opponents under pressure. We just want to make sure that our whole nation keeps on taking part in this competition.” Pape Thiaw, Senegal coach
“In the first two matches, we did really well for 60 to 70 minutes, but then made a few mistakes. We played against two of the best sides in the world. Now we have one more match to go. It is one chance to create something very special for the country of Iraq. It would also be history as Iraq have never gotten a point. We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. We want to make family, friends and fans proud. Iraqi fans have been hugely fantastic. They are football fanatics.” Graham Arnold, Iraq coach
Toronto Stadium
Toronto Stadium was purpose-built as Canada hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2007™. The venue, which has an English Premier League-style roof canopy and steep stands on either end of the ground, has been confirmed as the venue for Canada’s opening World Cup 2026 fixture on Friday, 12 June, and will host four further group games and one Round of 32 tie.