Senegal and Iraq face-off in a must-win encounter for both sides in their final group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides more insight into the June 26 matchup at the Toronto Stadium.
Senegal vs Iraq match preview
Senegal enter this clash knowing that anything short of a comfortable win will send them crashing out of the World Cup. Despite being one of the highest ranked African sides at the tournament, they are yet to pick up a point after losing both of their two games so far at the tournament.
The Lions of Teranga suffered a 3-1 defeat to France in their first match, although Ibrahim Mbaye’s goal on the night saw him become the youngest African player to score at the World Cup. They went on to lose 3-2 in their second game to Norway, leaving them needing an important win to stand any chance of progressing.
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Iraq, on the other hand, also need to win to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the tournament. The Asian side suffered a 4-1 defeat to France in their opening group game and were beaten by France 3-0 in their second game, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Ousmane Dembele adding a third to seal a dominant win for the two-time World champions. They are currently bottom of the group, but maximum points against Senegal will see them advance as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.
Senegal vs Iraq Head-to-Head
This marks a first-ever meeting between the two sides at senior international level.
Best betting odds
Home (Senegal) to Win – 1.29 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Senegal have more than enough quality in their attack to hurt Iraq on the break and will be expected to run out as winners in this clash, sealing their place in the next round.
🔚 Fin du match au MetLife Stadium. Nos Lions s’inclinent 3-2 face à la Norvège. Il reste un dernier rendez-vous dans cette phase de groupes : vendredi à Toronto contre l’Irak. pic.twitter.com/gAHyc6FmW1
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) June 23, 2026
Recent form: Senegal
Senegal are on a poor run of form and are now winless in their last four games across all competitions, including both of their matches so far at the World Cup.
They have also managed just a single clean sheet in their last five matches, but have conceded six goals in two games against France and Norway at the World Cup tournament.
Recent form: Iraq
Iraq are also on a poor run of form which has seen them lose their last three matches across all competitions and are winless in their last four.
The Asian side have not kept any clean sheet during this period, while they have only managed one strike in their last three games in all competitions.
Player to watch
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Salah and four other Africans to fight for Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane will be very key to Senegal’s chances against Iraq if they are to avoid a shock group stage exit.
The Al Nassr winger’s incisive passing and shooting ability could be the difference maker that sends his side to the knockout rounds.
