Senegal vs Iraq Match Report: Senegal Cruise to Historic 5-0 Victory in FIFA World Cup 2026
Senegal vs Iraq Match Report – FIFA World Cup 2026
Senegal produced a stunning performance to defeat Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Toronto Stadium.
The Lions of Teranga dominated from start to finish, taking an early lead before Iraq were reduced to 10 men following a first-half red card. Senegal capitalized on their numerical advantage with an attacking masterclass, recording the biggest FIFA World Cup victory in the nation's history.
Despite the emphatic win, Senegal finished third in Group I and must now wait to discover whether they qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
Senegal vs Iraq Score
Full-Time Score
Senegal 5-0 Iraq
Goalscorers
Senegal
Habib Diarra (4')
Ismaïla Sarr (56')
Pape Gueye (59', 71')
Iliman Ndiaye (82')
Iraq
No goals
Senegal vs Iraq Match Highlights
Senegal wasted no time taking control of the match as Habib Diarra opened the scoring in just the fourth minute with a composed finish.
The game changed dramatically in the 13th minute when Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka received a straight red card for fouling Sadio Mané, leaving his side to play with 10 men for more than 75 minutes.
After dominating possession throughout the first half, Senegal increased the pressure after the break. Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead before substitute Pape Gueye made an immediate impact, scoring just 89 seconds after coming off the bench. Gueye added his second goal shortly afterward to complete an impressive brace, while Iliman Ndiaye rounded off the scoring late in the match.
The victory capped a dominant display in which Senegal controlled possession, created numerous chances, and allowed Iraq very few opportunities in attack.
Senegal vs Iraq Match Statistics
| Statistic | Senegal | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 5 | 0 |
| Possession | 69% | 31% |
| Total Shots | 30 | 6 |
| Shots on Target | 12 | 1 |
| Corner Kicks | 12 | 3 |
| Passing Accuracy | 89% | 70% |
| Accurate Passes | 512 | 191 |
| Fouls Committed | 10 | 11 |
Key Talking Points
Iraq were reduced to 10 men after Rebin Sulaka received a straight red card in the 13th minute.
Pape Gueye scored twice after coming off the bench, netting his first goal just 89 seconds after entering the match.
Ismaïla Sarr delivered another outstanding performance with a goal and an assist.
Senegal completely dominated the contest, registering 30 shots while limiting Iraq to just one shot on target.
Historic Records & Milestones
Senegal's emphatic victory also produced several notable records.
Senegal became the first African nation to score five goals in a single FIFA World Cup match.
Ismaïla Sarr became the first Senegalese player to record both a goal and an assist in the same World Cup match.
Habib Diarra scored his first international goal in more than a year.
Pape Gueye produced one of the tournament's most effective substitute performances with a second-half brace.
Iraq have now lost all six FIFA World Cup matches in their history, spanning the 1986 and 2026 tournaments.
Group I Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 9 | Advanced (1st) |
| Norway | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 | Advanced (2nd) |
| Senegal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +2 | 3 | Awaiting third-place ranking |
| Iraq | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -10 | 0 | Eliminated |
What Happens Next For Both Teams?
Senegal finished third in Group I with three points and a +2 goal difference. Their qualification hopes now depend on the final rankings of the best third-placed teams across all World Cup groups.
Iraq's campaign comes to an end after losing all three group-stage matches, while Senegal will anxiously await confirmation of their place in the knockout rounds.
Final Thoughts
Senegal delivered one of the standout performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq. Their attacking football, clinical finishing, and defensive control highlighted their quality, especially after Iraq were reduced to 10 men.
Although qualification is not yet guaranteed, the convincing win significantly improved Senegal's chances of reaching the Round of 32 and created a memorable chapter in the nation's World Cup history.
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