Senegal Face Must-Win World Cup Showdown Against Iraq to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive

Senegal head into their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I clash against Iraq knowing that only a victory will keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

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Team News
Possible Lineups
How to Watch
Match Predictions

The Lions of Teranga are under immense pressure after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Norway, a match in which Kalidou Koulibaly endured a difficult evening before being substituted in the second half. As things stand, Senegal sit bottom of the third-placed teams ranking and must secure all three points while hoping results elsewhere go in their favour.

Norway beat Senegal 3-2 (Photo credit: Softfootball media)

Iraq also remain in contention for a place in the next round, making Friday’s encounter at BMO Field a high-stakes showdown. The Lions of Mesopotamia have struggled for form in recent weeks, suffering defeats to Norway and France after a promising draw against Spain, while conceding seven goals during the tournament.

With both nations still clinging to hopes of progression, a tense and decisive battle awaits in Canada.

Team News

Thiaw must make a major call on Koulibaly after the centre-back’s mistakes against Norway, with Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr and Abdoulaye Seck options to replace the captain.

In truth, the former Napoli defender is likely to start such a pivotal fixture, as is Sadio Mane, who set up one of Ismaila Sarr’s goals last time out but has yet to set the tournament alight in the opening two matchdays.

As for Iraq, Aymen Hussein’s involvement for Usood al-Rafidayn is in doubt after the forward went off before the half-hour mark with an injury.

Hussein’s possible absence would be a major blow for the side currently bottom of Group I, given he netted eight times in qualifying and has scored Iraq’s only goal at the 2026 finals.