World Cup: Senegal thrash Iraq 5-0 to keep round of 32 hopes alive

Senegal reignited their FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq at Toronto Stadium, keeping their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.

The emphatic win moved the Lions of Teranga into third place in Group I with three points and a vastly improved goal difference.

The result also lifted them into the qualification places among the best third-placed teams, pushing Scotland out of the top eight, although Pape Thiaw’s side must still rely on results elsewhere to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

After opening the tournament with defeats to France and Norway, Senegal produced an almost flawless display when it mattered most.

They made the perfect start, taking the lead after just four minutes when Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner deflected off Habib Diarra and wrong-footed Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

Iraq’s hopes suffered a major setback nine minutes later as defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off following a VAR review for denying Sadio Mane a clear goalscoring opportunity. Although Mane tested Basil from the resulting free-kick, Senegal had to wait until the second half to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Lamine Camara punished a costly error by former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal before squaring the ball for Ismaila Sarr to tap home Senegal’s second in the 56th minute.

Substitute Pape Gueye made an immediate impact, curling a superb left-footed effort into the top corner three minutes later to make it 3-0.

The Villarreal midfielder completed his brace in the 71st minute with another emphatic finish before fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye rounded off the scoring to seal a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

Senegal must now await the outcome of the remaining group-stage matches, hoping their superior goal difference and dominant win over Iraq will be enough to book a place in the World Cup Round of 32.