- Safiu Kehinde
Senegal has recorded their first win in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as they trashed 10-man Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match.
With an impressive attacking display, the Terenga Lions revived their hope of booking a place in the Round of 32.
Senegal made the perfect start when Habib Diarra found the net in the fourth minute after an assist from Alpha Seck.
Iraq’s problems increased after defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a red card, leaving his side to play with 10 men, while Seck also received a yellow card.
Senegal continued to dominate after the break as Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute from Lamine Camara’s pass.
Papa Gueye then struck twice, with both goals created by Sarr, before Iliman Ndiaye completed the scoring in the 82nd minute after receiving a pass from Gueye.
Senegal remained in control from start to finish, using their numerical advantage to create several scoring chances and keep Iraq under constant pressure.
Their solid defence also denied Iraq any clear opportunity to get back into the game.
Senegal finished in third place in Group I with 3 points, behind France and Norway, who secured the two automatic top spots.
Senegal will not advance directly. They must wait to see if their points and goal differential rank them among the eight best third-placed teams across the 48-team tournament to secure a knockout spot.
Iraq finished bottom of Group I and bowed out of the tournament after failing to earn enough points to advance.