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Senegal kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match, boosting their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Senegal took control almost immediately, with Habib Diarra opening the scoring in the fourth minute after being set up by Abdoulaye Seck. Iraq’s task became even tougher nine minutes later when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off, forcing the Asian side to play with 10 men for more than 75 minutes.
Despite leading only 1-0 at the break, Senegal dominated the second half. Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage in the 56th minute before substitute Pape Gueye struck twice in the 59th and 71st minutes. Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a superb long-range finish in the 82nd minute, making Senegal the first African nation to score five goals in a World Cup match.
The victory lifted Senegal into contention among the best third-placed teams after finishing the group stage with three points and a vastly improved goal difference.
However, with the victory Senegal must now wait anxiously to discover whether their impressive victory will be enough to extend their World Cup journey as one of the best losers.
