Senegal kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive with a historic 5-0 victory over Iraq, recording the biggest World Cup win ever by an African nation.

After defeat to France in their opening two Group I matches, Senegal needed a big victory to remain in contention for one of the best third-place qualification spots. Pape Thiaw’s side responded in style, producing a dominant performance in Toronto.

Softfootball understands that Senegal started quickly and took the lead inside four minutes when Habib Diarra got the final touch from Abdoulaye Seck’s header. Their advantage grew when Iraq were reduced to 10 men after Rebin Sulaka’s foul on Sadio Mané was upgraded from a yellow card to a red card following a VAR review.

Senegal secure their first win of FIFAWorldCup 2026- Photo credit: FIFA media

Despite being a man down, Iraq defended strongly for periods, but Senegal eventually took control. Pape Gueye scored twice, while Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also found the net to complete a memorable victory.

The result puts Senegal in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 32, where they could face England if current standings remain unchanged.

Senegal recorded the biggest World Cup win by an African nation after defeating 10-man Iraq 5-0. Pape Gueye scored twice, while Diarra, Sarr and Ndiaye added goals to boost knockout hopes.

Player Ratings

Senegal

Player	Rating
Mory Diaw	6.5/10
Krépin Diatta	7.0/10
Abdoulaye Seck	7.5/10
Moussa Niakhaté	6.5/10
Ismail Jakobs	6.0/10
Habib Diarra	7.5/10
Idrissa Gana Gueye	6.5/10
Lamine Camara	7.5/10
Ibrahim Mbaye	6.5/10
Ismaïla Sarr	8.5/10
Sadio Mané	6.5/10
Pape Gueye	9.0/10
Iliman Ndiaye	8.5/10

Iraq

Player	Rating
Ahmed Basil Fadhil	6.6/10
Frans Putros	6.0/10
Rebin Sulaka	3.0/10
Akam Hashem	4.0/10
Merchas Doski	5.5/10
Zidane Iqbal	5.0/10
Amir Al-Ammari	4.5/10
Ahmed Qasem	5.5/10
Ali Jasim	6.0/10
Ibrahim Bayesh	6.0/10
Ali Al Hamadi	5.5/10