Five-Star Senegal Seal Knockout Qualification With Record Victory Over Iraq

Five-Star Senegal Seal Knockout Qualification With Record Victory Over Iraq

By BSN Sports 

Senegal booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final Group I fixture, producing a record-breaking performance to keep their tournament hopes alive, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Teranga Lions entered the match needing a convincing victory after suffering defeats in their opening two group games. With qualification hanging in the balance, Pape Thiaw's side delivered when it mattered most, overwhelming Iraq to finish among the teams advancing to the Round of 32.

Head coach Pape Thiaw made five changes to the starting lineup that featured in Senegal's first two matches, while Iraq manager Graham Arnold introduced four new faces following his side's 3-0 defeat to France.

Senegal made an ideal start, taking the lead through Habib Diarra. The midfielder powered home a header from a corner after outmuscling his marker to put the African side ahead.

Iraq's task became even more difficult shortly afterwards when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving his side to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.

Senegal capitalised on their numerical advantage after the break. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead before Pape Gueye added a third moments later to put the result beyond doubt.

Sarr's strike also saw him enter the history books, becoming the first Senegalese player to both score and provide an assist in the same FIFA World Cup match. The winger also became Senegal's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup with four goals.

Gueye completed his brace later in the second half before Idrissa Ndiaye rounded off an outstanding team display with Senegal's fifth goal.

The emphatic victory not only secured Senegal's place in the knockout stage but also earned the Teranga Lions a place in World Cup history as the first African nation to record a 5-0 victory at the FIFA World Cup.