2026 FIFA World Cup | Group I | Friday June 27, 2026
- Senegal 5-0 Iraq
- France 4-1 Norway
Senegal kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive in emphatic fashion, thrashing 10-man Iraq 5-0 on Friday at Toronto Stadium to boost their chances of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The resounding victory was historic, becoming the biggest win ever recorded by an African nation at a FIFA World Cup.
After losing to France and Norway in their opening Group I matches, the Lions of Teranga needed a convincing response and delivered from the outset.
Habib Diarra gave Senegal the perfect start, heading home from close range in the fourth minute after Abdoulaye Seck flicked on a corner.
Iraq’s task became even tougher nine minutes later when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for pulling down Sadio Mane as the Senegal captain raced through on goal. Referee Anthony Taylor upgraded an initial yellow card to a straight red following a VAR review, handing Iraq the tournament’s earliest dismissal.
Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal had to wait until the second half to extend their lead. Ismaila Sarr made it 2-0 in the 56th minute after being set up by Lamine Camara. The goal saw Sarr become Senegal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with four goals.
Substitute Pape Gueye then took centre stage. The midfielder struck just 89 seconds after coming on, rifling home from 20 yards in the 59th minute before adding another superb long-range effort 12 minutes later.
Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout in the 82nd minute with a brilliant curling strike into the top corner.
The victory lifted Senegal to third place in Group I with three points and a positive goal difference of +2, leaving them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage. However, they must wait for results from other groups to determine whether they will advance.
For Iraq, the defeat ended a disappointing campaign. Playing at their first World Cup since 1986, they finished bottom of the group without a point.
France topped Group I with a perfect record after defeating Norway 4-1 in the other group match.
