World Cup 2026: Senegal hammer 10-man Iraq 5-0 to boost knockout hopes

Senegal produced a ruthless performance on Friday night to defeat 10-man Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, keeping alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

Both teams entered the encounter under pressure after losing their opening two matches, knowing that only victory would offer any realistic chance of staying in the competition. However, Senegal quickly seized control and overwhelmed an Iraqi side reduced to ten men early in the contest.

Fast Start Gives Senegal Early Control

The Lions of Teranga made the perfect start and broke the deadlock just four minutes into the game.

Habib Diarra reacted quickest inside the penalty area following a corner kick and bundled the ball into the net to hand Senegal an early advantage.

The goal immediately lifted Senegal’s confidence while Iraq struggled to settle into the match.

VAR Changes the Match

The turning point arrived in the 10th minute after Rebin Sulaka brought down an opponent with a reckless challenge.

Referee Anthony Taylor initially produced a yellow card, but after reviewing the incident through VAR, he overturned the decision and showed a straight red card instead.

The dismissal left Iraq with a mountain to climb and allowed Senegal to dominate possession and territory for the remainder of the contest.

Senegal Run Riot in Second Half

Despite controlling large periods of the first half, Senegal had to wait until after the break to add to their lead.

In the 56th minute, Ismaila Sarr capitalised on a defensive mistake and calmly slotted home from close range to make it 2-0.

Three minutes later, Pape Gueye struck a powerful effort inside the right post to extend Senegal’s advantage further.

The midfielder then produced the moment of the match in the 71st minute with a superb first-time strike from the edge of the box that flew into the left corner to make it 4-0.

Ndiaye Completes Dominant Display

Iliman Ndiaye added the fifth goal in the 82nd minute to complete a memorable night for Senegal.

The forward latched onto a pass outside the area before unleashing a brilliant strike into the top right corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

It was a fitting finish to one of Senegal’s most dominant performances of the tournament.

Qualification Hopes Still Alive

The emphatic victory gives Senegal renewed hope of reaching the Round of 32, although their final fate will depend on results elsewhere and the standings among the best third-placed teams.

For Iraq, meanwhile, the heavy defeat brings a disappointing conclusion to their World Cup campaign after failing to collect a single point from their three group stage matches.