Updated June 26, 2026, 5:54 p.m. ET
Senegal crushed 10-man Iraq 5-0 on Friday to remain in the running for a place in the round of 32 and end their opponents’ hopes of reaching the World Cupknockout stages.
The West African team enjoyed a dream start when Abdoulaye Seck’s header directed off teammate Habib Diarra and into the Iraqi net in the fourth minute.
Iraq went down a man in the 12th minute when the referee decided after a VAR review to send off defender Rebin Sulaka for pulling down Sadio Mane as the Senegalese striker was through on goal.
Senegal, who ran riot after the break with goals by Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and a double from Pape Gueye, must wait to see if they will advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
– Reuters
Iliman Ndiaye goal! Senegal 5, Iraq 0
Senegal is putting itself in strong position to advance as a third-place finisher with the goal differential boost today.
Papa Gueye again! Senegal 4, Iraq 0
Having already scored an unreal goal in the second half, Papa Gueye hit an absolutely perfect volley from distance for his team’s fourth.
Pape Gueye golazo! Senegal 3, Iraq 0
Just minutes after the long-awaited second goal for Senegal, Pape Gueye curled an absolute perfect goal from outside the box to extend the lead to 3-0.
Ismaïla Sarr goal! Senegal 2, Iraq 0
Senegal finally gets its second with Ismaïla Sarr scoring in the 56th minute against a 10-man Iraq side that is starting to show signs of fatigue.
HALFTIME: Senegal 1, Iraq 0
Things calmed down after a frantic opening 15 minutes that featured a goal and a red card, with Iraq preventing another Senegal score the rest of the half in Toronto.
43rd minute: Senegal still pushing for a second
Nearing the end of the first half, 10-man Iraq has held firm.
34th minute: Senegal 1, Iraq 0
Playing with man advantage, Senegal is applying relentless pressure but hasn’t been able to find a second goal yet.
RED CARD! Iraq down to 10 men
A VAR check upgraded Rebin Sulaka’s yellow to a red card in the 13th minute – and Iraq will have to play nearly 80 minutes down to 10, already trailing in this game.
Habib Diarra! goal! Senegal 1, Iraq 0
Senegal takes an early lead as Habib Diarra deflects home Abdoulaye Seck’s header off a corner kick in the fourth minute. That’s a dream start in Toronto.
Senegal vs Iraq is underway!
The teams have kicked off at BMO Field in Toronto, both with zero points after losing their first two games.
Senegal lineup today
Mory Diaw, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismail Jakobs, Krepin Diatta, Moussa Niakhate, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye
Iraq lineup today
Ahmed Basil, Rebin Sulaka, Akam Hashim, Merchas Doski, Frans Putros, Ibrahim Bayesh, Zidane Iqbal, Amir Alammari, Ali Alhamadi, Ahmed Qasem, Ali Jasim
Where is Senegal vs Iraq game?
The Group I match is being held at BMO Field in Toronto.
Senegal vs Iraq predictions, expert picks
Seth Vertelney: Senegal 3-0 Iraq
Senegal still has a chance to advance with a lopsided win, and the Lions of Teranga should get just that against an overmatched Iraq side.
Jon Arnold: Senegal 3-0 Iraq
Senegal will be highly motivated to pour it on, and an Iraq team likely missing talisman Ayman Hussein will be unable to stop them from doing just that.
Victoria Hernandez: Senegal 2-0 Iraq
Neither team really had a chance in this group that includes France and Norway, but Senegal, led by Koulibaly and Man, will fight to the end to possibly be one of the third-place teams to advance.
Senegal vs Iraq odds
Iraq World Cup appearances
The 2026 World Cup marks Iraq’s second appearance in the World Cup and first since 1986.
World Cup standings
Explore live group standings, stats and the updated bracket with USA TODAY Sports here.
What time is Senegal vs Iraq game today?
The matchup kicks off at 3:00 PM ET.
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