By Dwayne Ferreira.
Senegal hit five to reach knockouts after Iraq’s red card, with Ismaïla Sarr making history and Pape Gueye scoring twice in Toronto.
Senegal hit five to reach knockouts after a ruthless 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq, keeping their World Cup campaign alive in Toronto.
Both sides arrived needing victory to stay in contention. Senegal had lost to France and Norway, while Iraq had been beaten in both opening matches. The pressure made the start edgy, but the contest changed dramatically in the 13th minute when Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for a foul on Sadio Mané after a VAR review.
Senegal had already moved ahead through Habib Diarra, whose deflected strike gave Pape Thiaw’s team the early breakthrough they desperately needed. Iraq, forced to play most of the match with 10 men, found it increasingly difficult to break out and spent long periods pinned close to their own box.
Even with the extra player, Senegal did not instantly turn possession into total control. Thiaw later acknowledged that the first half was still difficult and that his side had room to improve. Iraq fought with discipline and energy, but the tactical and physical burden grew heavier as the minutes passed.
After the interval, Senegal took complete command. Ismaïla Sarr scored the second, sliding in to finish after Nampalys Mendy and the midfield pressed Iraq into another costly turnover. The goal made Sarr Senegal’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, moving him beyond Papa Bouba Diop.
Pape Gueye then turned a controlled win into a statement. Coming off the bench, he scored twice in quick succession, first with a powerful long-range effort and then with an even fiercer finish. His impact gave Senegal the urgency, rhythm and confidence they had lacked earlier in the group stage.
Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a thunderous finish, sealing a five-goal performance that sparked celebrations among the green-clad Senegal supporters. Iraq, playing at their first World Cup in 40 years, never recovered from the red card and ended the group stage without a point.
For Senegal, the final whistle did not immediately confirm progress. They still had to wait for the wider third-place standings, but the scale of the victory proved decisive. They now face Belgium in the round of 32 with fresh momentum from their best display of the tournament.
Iraq leave with three defeats, though the experience may still influence their future. Senegal, however, turned pressure into purpose and ensured Africa’s presence in the knockout stage continued.
Match Summary
Senegal 5-0 Iraq
Goals: Habib Diarra, Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye 2, Iliman Ndiaye
Result: Senegal won 5-0
Player of the Match: Pape Gueye
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada
Red Card: Rebin Sulaka (Iraq) 13’
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