Senegal and Iraq meet at BMO Field on Friday knowing that victory is essential if either side is to have any realistic chance of extending their stay at the 2026 World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga sit bottom of Group I after defeats to France and Norway, while Iraq have also lost both of their matches and require a remarkable turnaround to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.
Senegal arrived at the tournament with genuine expectations of reaching the knockout stages, but back-to-back defeats have left Pape Thiaw’s side in a precarious position heading into the final round of group fixtures.
A 3-1 loss against France was followed by a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Norway, with defensive mistakes proving costly on both occasions.
The task facing the African side is straightforward. They must beat Iraq and then hope their goal difference is strong enough to place them among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Iraq’s return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence has been equally challenging.
Graham Arnold’s men opened with a 4-1 defeat against Norway before suffering a 3-0 loss to France, leaving them bottom of the standings with a goal difference of minus six.
The Lions of Mesopotamia have struggled to cope with the quality of opposition in Group I, conceding seven goals across their opening two fixtures while scoring only once.
However, Iraq will take encouragement from the fact Senegal have looked vulnerable defensively throughout the tournament. Thiaw’s side have now conceded at least two goals in three of their last four matches, offering Iraq hope that opportunities could arise on Friday.
Even so, progression remains a huge challenge for Arnold’s men, who would likely require a sizeable victory and favourable results elsewhere to force their way into the knockout picture.
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Team news for Senegal vs Iraq
Senegal have a significant concern in goal after Edouard Mendy suffered a knee injury during the defeat to Norway and is expected to miss out.
Yehvann Diouf is likely to replace him between the posts, while Kalidou Koulibaly faces scrutiny following a difficult performance against Norway. Despite calls for changes, the experienced captain is expected to retain his place alongside Moussa Niakhate in central defence.
Further forward, Ismaila Sarr strengthened his claim for a starting role with an impressive display against Norway and should continue alongside Nicolas Jackson and Mane in attack.
Iraq could be without leading striker Aymen Hussein after he was forced off with an injury during the defeat to France.
His absence would represent a major setback given he scored eight goals during qualification and remains Iraq’s most reliable goalscoring threat. Should he fail to recover in time, Mohanad Ali could be handed a starting opportunity, while Ali Al-Hamadi is expected to lead the line.
Midfield responsibility will once again fall on Amir Al-Ammari and Zidane Iqbal as Iraq attempt to compete with Senegal’s physicality and athleticism.
Expected line-ups for Senegal vs Iraq
Senegal starting XI: Diouf; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane
Iraq starting XI: Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Ismail, Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Qasem, Al-Hamadi, Bayesh
Where to watch Senegal vs Iraq: TV channel, online live stream
The match takes place on Friday, June 26 at BMO Field in Toronto.
In the UK, kick-off is at 20:00, with the match available to watch on ITV4. Fans can also stream the game through ITVX.
Senegal vs Iraq stats
- The Lions of Teranga have conceded six goals in two games
- Senegal were beaten 3-1 by France and 3-2 by Norway
- Graham Arnold’s side have conceded seven goals in two games
- Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway before suffering a 3-0 defeat against France
- Aymen Hussein has scored Iraq’s only goal of the competition
- Senegal need victory to maintain hopes of qualifying as one of the best third-placed team
- Iraq require both a win and favourable results elsewhere to have any chance of progressing
Prediction for Senegal vs Iraq
Senegal have underperformed so far, but they still possess significantly greater quality throughout the squad and should create plenty of opportunities against an Iraq side that has struggled defensively throughout the tournament.
Iraq may take advantage of Senegal’s defensive weaknesses and find the net, but the Lions of Teranga should have enough attacking firepower to secure victory and keep their qualification hopes alive heading into the final calculations for the best third-placed teams.
Prediction: Senegal 3-1 Iraq
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