The Lions of Teranga scored their way into contention for the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a goals fest against Iraq in Toronto.
Senegal 5-0 Iraq
Senegal goals: Habib Diarra (4), Ismaila Sarr (56), Pape Gueye (59, 71), Iliman Ndiaye (82)
Senegal gave themselves hope of extending their stay at the FIFA World Cup™ with an emphatic 5-0 win over Iraq as the two nations met for the first time on football’s biggest stage in the final Group I clash in Toronto.
The Lions Of Teranga could seal a last 32 spot if they finish as one of the best eight third place teams after this victory, however, Pape Thiaw’s side will have a wait to see if other results go their way.
Senegal took the lead within four minutes of kick-off after Abdoulaye Seck nodded the ball in the direction of the net from a corner kick, with Habid Diarra getting the final touch.
Iraq were reduced to ten men shortly after falling behind when Rebin Sulaka was deemed to have denied Sadio Mane a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Senegal did find the back of the net for a second time ten minutes into the restart, and it was a gift from their opponents. A mistake from Zidane Iqbal deep in his own half laid it on a plate for Lamine Camara, who squared it for Sarr to fire home his third goal of the tournament.
It was a quickfire double for Senegal when substitute Pape Gueye added to his side’s lead just 89 seconds after entering the pitch. He capitalised on an Iraq mistake and lashed the ball into the top corner.
Key stat
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 their debut at Mexico 1986.
Superior Player of the Match
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
What they said…
“It was really tough today after that early red card. When you make the mistakes that we had, you get punished at a World Cup. We had an extremely tough group here. We performed well in two of the three matches. It has been an enjoyable journey and hopefully the players will return home with good experiences. They have now learned what it takes to play against these types of players. The fans were so loud and so noisy. We are so proud that we have given the fans this opportunity to enjoy the World Cup.” Graham Arnold, Iraq coach
“This was a game we had to win, and we did it. We wanted to score more, because you never know. Congratulations to the team. We did an excellent job today. I’m very happy to have scored for my team. I’m happy for the others, too. We are here for the national team, we are doing everything we can for it.” Ismaïla Sarr, Senegal forward
“We won 5-0, and I think it was well deserved. The team handled this match well. It wasn’t easy at first because we were playing against a direct rival who wanted this victory too. Our future is no longer in our own hands. We will have to wait and see. But we got the job done.” Pape Thiaw, Senegal head coach