Senegal defeat Iraq 5-0 in Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026

The encounter between Senegal and Iraq was the opening fixture for Group I at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Played at BMO Field in Toronto on 26 June 2026, the match offered a first-round test of both sides’ ambitions in the tournament.

How it unfolded

Senegal announced their intent from the first minute. Four minutes in, a corner from the right was met by Abdoulaye Seck’s delivery, allowing Habib Diarra to volley home with his right foot from very close range into the top right corner. The early lead set the tone for the home side.

Just nine minutes later the balance shifted dramatically when Iraq’s defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a straight red card. The dismissal at the 13th minute left Iraq with ten men for the remainder of the match, forcing them to reorganise defensively while Senegal pressed their advantage.

Four minutes after the sending-off, Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seck received a yellow card for a bad foul, his first booking of the game. The caution did not deter Senegal’s forward momentum.

The second half saw Senegal extend their lead. In the 56th minute, Ismaïla Sarr capitalised on a swift attack, finishing with a right-footed shot from very close range into the top left corner after an assist from Lamine Camara.

Only three minutes later, Pape Gueye doubled Senegal’s tally. Operating from the edge of the box, he struck a left-footed shot that curled into the top left corner, the move set up by a well-timed pass from Sarr.

Just twelve minutes after that, Gueye struck again in the 71st minute. This time a headed pass from Iliman Ndiaye found him in the centre of the box, and he finished with a left-footed shot to the bottom left corner, making it 4-0.

Iraq’s frustration grew, and in the 75th minute midfielder Amir Al-Ammari was booked for a bad foul. The yellow card was Iraq’s first caution of the night.

Senegal’s own Pape Gueye was cautioned in the 81st minute for a bad foul, his second booking of the match.

The final goal arrived in the 82nd minute. Iliman Ndiaye, after receiving a pass from Gueye, unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the top right corner, sealing the 5-0 scoreline.

The match concluded with a late booking for Iraq’s Merchas Doski in the 90th minute for a bad foul, his first yellow of the game.

Standout performers

  • Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 4th minute, finishing a corner-set piece.
  • Abdoulaye Seck provided the assist for Diarra’s opener and contributed to the build-up play before his yellow card.
  • Ismaïla Sarr scored the second goal (56’) and supplied the assist for Gueye’s third-minute-later strike.
  • Lamine Camara delivered the key pass that led to Sarr’s goal.
  • Pape Gueye was involved in three of Senegal’s five goals, scoring twice (59’, 71’) and assisting the fifth (82’).
  • Iliman Ndiaye supplied the assist for Gueye’s 71’ goal and netted the final goal in the 82nd minute.

Match facts

  • Final score: Senegal 5-0 Iraq
  • Scorers:
    • 4’ Habib Diarra (assist: Abdoulaye Seck)
    • 56’ Ismaïla Sarr (assist: Lamine Camara)
    • 59’ Pape Gueye (assist: Ismaïla Sarr)
    • 71’ Pape Gueye (assist: Iliman Ndiaye)
    • 82’ Iliman Ndiaye (assist: Pape Gueye)
  • Bookings:
    • 18’ Abdoulaye Seck (yellow, bad foul)
    • 75’ Amir Al-Ammari (yellow, bad foul)
    • 81’ Pape Gueye (yellow, bad foul)
    • 90’ Merchas Doski (yellow, bad foul)
  • Sending-off: 13’ Rebin Sulaka (straight red)
  • Venue: BMO Field, Toronto

What it means

Senegal’s comprehensive five-goal victory puts them in a strong position as the Group I campaign continues, while Iraq must regroup after a heavy defeat and the loss of a defender early in the match. Both teams still have further group fixtures to decide their fate in the World Cup 2026.