Senegal boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I match at Toronto Stadium on Friday.
The Lions of Teranga entered the contest knowing they needed a convincing win after suffering defeats to France and Norway in their opening two group matches.
They delivered exactly that with a dominant second-half display, cruising to a 5-0 triumph that lifted them to fifth place among the best third-placed teams. The top eight third-placed nations will advance to the Round of 32.
Senegal made the perfect start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Habib Diarra, who scored his maiden FIFA World Cup goal. Iraq’s task became even more difficult when Rebin Sulaka was sent off after a VAR review.
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Despite being reduced to 10 men, Iraq managed to keep Senegal at bay until the 56th minute when Ismaïla Sarr scored his third goal of the tournament to double his side’s advantage.
Pape Gueye was introduced moments after Sarr’s strike and made an immediate impact. Just 89 seconds after coming off the bench, the Villarreal midfielder found the back of the net to make it 3-0 before adding his second of the game in the 71st minute with a powerful effort.
Gueye completed an outstanding substitute appearance by providing an assist for Iliman Ndiaye, who fired home a superb strike from the edge of the box to seal a comprehensive 5-0 victory for Senegal.
Pape Thiaw’s men threatened to score even more goals in the closing stages but ultimately settled for five, a result they hope will be enough to book their place in the Round of 32.
The victory was a historic one for Senegal, as it became the biggest winning margin ever recorded by an African nation at the FIFA World Cup.
In the other Group I fixture, France defeated Norway 4-1 to finish top of the group with a maximum nine points. Norway ended second with six points, Senegal claimed third place on three points, while Iraq exited the tournament without registering a point
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