2026 World Cup: Senegal revive qualification hopes by putting five past Iraq
Senegal crushed Iraq 5-0 in Group I of their World Cup game on Friday afternoon in the United States.
Both sides needed a big win to take third spot, with France and Norway battling for first and second. Depending on other results, that third spot could be enough to secure a place in the coming knockout rounds.
It only took four minutes for Senegal to take the lead, through Habib Diarra, and just seven minutes later Iraq were reduced to 10 men when Rebin Sulaka was booked for a foul on Sadio Mane, only to have that card upgraded to red after a VAR check.
Iraq defended solidly for the rest of the half, but a 56th-minute strike from Ismaila Sarr was followed by a quick brace from substitute Pape Gueye, and then the scoring was rounded off by a smart effort from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye.
Iraq are eliminated, and now Senegal must wait to see if they will make the cut.