Toronto Stadium,June 2026 -Senegal reignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq in Toronto, keeping their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive in Group I.
The Lions of Teranga needed a big result to stay in contention as one of the best third-placed sides. They delivered, but Pape Thiaw’s team must now wait on other group outcomes to learn their fate.
Senegal were ahead inside four minutes. Abdoulaye Seck flicked on a corner and Habib Diarra tapped home from close range. Iraq’s task got harder minutes later when Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying Sadio Mane a clear scoring chance.
The African champions doubled their lead 10 minutes after the restart. Zidane Iqbal was dispossessed deep in his own half, Lamine Camara pounced and set up Ismaila Sarr for his third goal of the tournament.
Substitute Pape Gueye then made an instant impact. He came on and scored 89 seconds later after capitalizing on another Iraqi error, drilling a strike into the top corner.
Gueye was not done. With 20 minutes left he netted again from a loose ball, firing in Senegal’s fourth. Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a 20-yard finish to make it 5-0.
This is Senegal’s third straight World Cup appearance. For Iraq, it is only their second finals after Mexico 1986, where they also exited after three group-stage defeats.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold said the early dismissal made it difficult.
“When you make mistakes like that at a World Cup, you are punished. It was a tough group, but we performed well in two of three matches. It has been a valuable experience for the players. The fans were incredible, and we are proud to have given them a World Cup to enjoy,” Arnold said.
Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr was pleased with the ruthlessness.
“We had to win, and we did. We wanted more goals because goal difference could matter. I’m happy to score, but the most important thing is the team’s performance. We are here for Senegal and giving everything for the shirt,” Sarr said.
Coach Pape Thiaw praised his side’s control.
“It was not easy against a direct rival who also wanted the win, but the team managed the match well. We deserved it. We’ve done our job. Now our destiny is out of our hands, so we wait,” Thiaw said. Source:FIFA
