Senegal kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq in Toronto.
The Africans began the match with urgency, knowing only a convincing victory would keep them in the World Cup. From a set-piece, Lamine Camara delivered into the area, Abdoulaye Seck rose highest to head towards goal.
The ball appeared to touch Habib Diarra before crossing the line.
That fourth-minute goal settled the Lions of Teranga and placed immediate pressure on Iraq. The match then turned further in Senegal’s favour, when Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka brought Sadio Mane outside the area. After a VAR check, a red card was awarded.
Despite playing with 10 men, Iraq resisted Senegal’s pressure for the remainder of the first half.
Senegal’s second goal arrived in the 56th minute after Camara punished Iraq for losing possession. The midfielder won the ball from Zidan Iqbal and carried it into the area before squaring for Ismaïla Sarr, who finished from close range.
That goal broke Iraq’s resistance and gave Senegal the platform they needed to chase a bigger victory. Three minutes after Sarr’s goal, Senegal struck again.
Pape Gueye, introduced from the bench, received the ball near the edge of the box and drove a powerful shot beyond Hassan to make it 3-0. It was a decisive moment, and Senegal suddenly looked capable of scoring with every attack.
Gueye added his second in the 71st minute after being found inside the area, sending another fierce strike into the net to extend Senegal’s lead. 4-0!
Senegal’s fifth arrived in the 83rd minute when Iliman Ndiaye fired from the edge of the area to complete the rout. The final whistle brought relief for Senegal, but not immediate certainty.
The Lions of Teranga knew they needed a big win to stand any chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, and Pape Thiaw’s side delivered with their most complete performance of the tournament.
After defeats by France and Norway, the Lions of Teranga had left themselves needing a statement performance in their final group match.
The Teranga Lions will now wait to see whether their goal difference is enough to take them into the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Latest World Cup results
Senegal 5-0 Iraq
Egypt 1-1 Iran
Belgium 5-1 New Zealand.
