The Lions of Teranga scored their way into contention for the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a goals fest against Iraq in Toronto.
Senegal took the lead within four minutes of kick-off after Abdoulaye Seck nodded the ball toward the net from a corner kick, with Habib Diarra applying the final touch.
Iraq were reduced to ten men shortly after falling behind when Rebin Sulaka denied Sadio Mane a clear goalscoring opportunity. Senegal found the back of the net for a second time ten minutes into the restart, and it was a gift from their opponents.
A mistake from Zidane Iqbal deep in his own half laid it on a plate for Lamine Camara, who squared it for Ismaila Sarr to fire home his third goal of the tournament. It was a quickfire double when substitute Pape Gueye added to his side’s lead just 89 seconds after entering the pitch.
He capitalized on an Iraq mistake and lashed the ball into the top corner. Super sub Gueye was on hand to score his second and Senegal’s fourth with 20 minutes remaining, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed the emphatic 5-0 victory late on.
Senegal entered the tournament as reigning AFCON champions after battling to a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in the 2025 final, where Pape Gueye’s strike in the first period of extra time secured their second continental title and showcased their resilience under pressure.
In their previous 2026 World Cup matches, the Lions opened with a tough 3-1 loss to France in New York/New Jersey, where they showed fight through a late consolation goal.
They then pushed Norway hard but fell 3-2 in another high-scoring encounter, with Ismaila Sarr netting twice in a valiant effort. Iraq, meanwhile, endured a difficult group stage, suffering heavy defeats including a 3-0 loss to France and struggling to create chances, which left them at the bottom of Group I with no points heading into this decisive clash.
With this commanding win, Senegal sits in third place in Group I but remains firmly in contention as one of the best third-placed teams.
They now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they will face a strong challenge against Germany on June 29. Iraq’s campaign ends with this heavy defeat, finishing bottom of the group without a point.