World Cup 2026: Senegal Thrash Iraq 5-0 To Keep Knockout Round Qualification Hopes Alive

Senegal took a huge step towards reaching the knockout rounds of the World Cup as they eased to an historic 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I game, 101 GreatGoals reports.

Like their opponents in Toronto, Senegal had suffered defeats to France and Noway in their opening two matches, leaving them needing victory by several goals to have a chance to reaching the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

They made an excellent start through Habib Diarra’s early goal, before their cause was aided by a red card for Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka.

Iraq were impressively resolute for the remainder of the first half, but Ismaila Sarr’s third goal of the tournament and a long-range stunner from Pape Gueye put the game beyond doubt and drastically improved Senegal’s prospects.

Gueye doubled his tally with a rasping second, before a superb individual effort from Illiman Ndiaye completed the rout in style.

Now with a plus-two goal difference, Senegal can likely look forward to a knockout clash after becoming the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match.

In the group’s other fixture France hammered Norway 4-1 courtesy Ousmane Dembele hat-trick.

France top the group on nine points while Norway placed second on six points.