Senegal 5–0 Iraq | Group I | BMO Field, Toronto | 26 June 2026
Senegal delivered one of the performances of the tournament in Toronto on Friday, recording what became the biggest victory by an African nation in World Cup history to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 32 firmly alive.
The West Africans enjoyed a dream start when Abdoulaye Seck’s header deflected off teammate Habib Diarra and into the Iraqi net in the fourth minute. Iraq’s evening then unravelled completely. Defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute following a VAR review for bringing down Sadio Mané as the Senegalese striker bore down on goal, leaving the Mesopotamia Lions to battle on with ten men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal showed admirable patience before the floodgates opened after the break. Ismaila Sarr tapped in Lamine Camara’s pull-back in the 56th minute before substitute Pape Gueye curled in an absolute beauty just 89 seconds after his introduction. Gueye helped himself to a thunderous second, which reached a top speed of 132km per hour, before Iliman Ndiaye added the fifth with a cracker that left the replacement goalkeeper with no chance.
Senegal must now wait to see if they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams, having finished behind France and Norway in Group I on three points.
As things stand, they are in line to face England in the round of 32. Iraq coach Graham Arnold was gracious in defeat:
