World Cup 2026: Senegal 5-0 Iraq Player Ratings

Senegal kept their World Cup dream alive with a stunning 5-0 demolition of Iraq in Toronto, producing the biggest victory by an African nation at the 2026 tournament. Pape Gueye stole the show with a sensational display off the bench, earning a remarkable rating after scoring twice and providing an assist in a dominant second-half performance. Senegal must now wait to discover whether their six points are enough to secure one of the best third-placed qualification spots.

Match Report

The Lions of Teranga started with urgency knowing only victory would keep their hopes alive. Habib Diarra gave Senegal the perfect beginning in the fourth minute, finishing from close range after Iraq failed to clear a dangerous cross. Iraq’s problems worsened shortly afterward when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying Sadio Mane a clear goalscoring opportunity following a VAR review.

Despite the numerical advantage, Senegal had to wait until the second half to truly take control. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead and became his country’s leading World Cup scorer before substitute Pape Gueye produced two spectacular strikes from outside the penalty area. Iliman Ndiaye then completed the rout with a brilliant finish to make it 5-0.

The victory represented a huge response after defeats to France and Norway and showcased the attacking quality that many expected from Pape Thiaw’s side before the tournament began.

Senegal Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Mory Diaw – 7.1

Stepped in for the injured Édouard Mendy and delivered a calm, assured performance to secure a clean sheet.

Defence

Krepin Diatta – 7.3

Energetic and reliable throughout, contributing at both ends of the pitch.

Abdoulaye Seck – 6.9

Picked up a booking but remained solid in central defence.

Moussa Niakhate – 7.1

Strong in aerial duels and composed in possession.

Ismail Jakobs – 6.9

Worked tirelessly on the left flank and offered useful support going forward.

Midfield

Idrissa Gana Gueye – 8.2

Controlled the tempo brilliantly and dictated play from midfield.

Lamine Camara – 8.3

Outstanding once again, combining creativity with relentless energy.

Habib Diarra – 7.4

Scored the opening goal and set the tone for Senegal’s dominant display.

Attack

Ismaila Sarr – 7.7

Scored, created problems all evening and continued his impressive tournament.

Sadio Mane – 6.9

Didn’t score but his movement and experience created space for others.

Ibrahim Mbaye – 6.6

Worked hard before making way in the second half.

Substitutes

Pape Gueye – 9.9

A sensational cameo. Two goals, one assist, and complete control of midfield. The undisputed man of the match.

Iliman Ndiaye – 8.7

Capped a brilliant substitute appearance with a stunning fifth goal.

Nicolas Jackson – 7.1

Added pace and movement after entering the match.

Pathe Ismael Ciss – 6.7

Helped Senegal maintain their dominance in midfield.

Assane Diao – 6.6

Provided fresh energy during the closing stages.

Verdict

Pape Gueye produced one of the performances of the tournament, while Lamine Camara and Idrissa Gana Gueye controlled midfield with authority. Senegal’s emphatic victory revived their World Cup hopes and reminded the football world of the immense talent within the Lions of Teranga squad.