Senegal Thrash Iraq to Move Within Reach of World Cup 2026 Knockouts

Senegal thumped Iraq by 5-0 in the latest World Cup clash to strengthen their chances for the qualification of knockout stages. They remained dominant from the start and secured a solid victory in the end to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Needing not only a win but also a big victory to keep their knockout hopes alive, Senegal made the perfect start. They took the lead in the fourth minute when Abdoulaye Seck met Lamine Camara's corner, and Habib Diarra got the final touch to send the ball into the net.

Things got even worse for Iraq soon after. Sadio Mane got past Rebin Sulaka before being brought down, leading referee Anthony Taylor to show a red card. Ahmed Basil then produced a fine save to keep out the free-kick, while Ismail Jakobs also went close with a shot that drifted wide.

Despite being a man down, Iraq defended well for the rest of the first half and even managed to create a few attacks of their own.

Senegal stepped up after the break. After missing a couple of chances, Lamine Camara set up Ismaïla Sarr, who finished from close range to make it 2-0. Just a few minutes later, Pape Gueye fired a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, scoring a goal similar to the one he netted in the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Pape Gueye then struck again to put further pressure on Iraq. He collected a pass from Iliman Ndiaye on the edge of the box and drilled a powerful shot into the corner, leaving substitute goalkeeper Jalal Hassan with no chance.

Sadio Mane then hit the post with a chipped effort before Iliman Ndiaye added a fifth goal. He drove forward and blasted the ball into the top corner to complete a dominant performance from Pape Thiaw's side.

The result became the biggest World Cup win ever by an African nation. It also moved Senegal into fifth place among the third-placed teams, although they still have work to do with five more groups yet to finish their matches.