FIFA has made an official change regarding the opening goal in the match between Senegal and Iraq, played in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The first goal initially credited to Abdoulaye Seck has now been reclassified and awarded to Habib Diarra. This statistical revision updates the match sheet of a resounding victory for the Lions of Teranga (5-0) and directly impacts the individual statistics of both players involved. This comes after a detailed analysis of the controversial action that led to the first goal of the match.
The action in question took place in the early minutes of the game, following a corner won by Senegal and taken by Lamine Camara. In the opposing box, Abdoulaye Seck won the aerial duel and attempted a header. The ball, slightly deflected in the danger zone, then bounced into a crowded area of players. In the ensuing chaos, the trajectory of the ball was altered one last time before crossing the goal line, with the final touch attributed to Habib Diarra according to the review of the footage.
After reviewing the various sequences, the relevant authorities concluded that the decisive last touch came from the Senegalese midfielder. This decision leads to a change in the official tournament statistics. Habib Diarra is now credited with his first goal in this World Cup, while Abdoulaye Seck sees his action reclassified as an indirect contribution, with no addition to his personal total. Such adjustments are common in international competitions where actions in the box can be open to interpretation.
Beyond this individual correction, Senegal confirmed its superiority throughout the match with a clear and unquestionable victory (5-0). The Lions quickly took control of the game, imposing a high tempo and exploiting the spaces left by the Iraqi defense. This collective performance reflects a rebound after a more complicated tournament start, reigniting their ambitions for qualification to the knockout stage.
GOAL FOR SUNDERLAND IN THE WORLD CUP!
Habib Diarra opened the scoring for Senegal against Iraq 😍
pic.twitter.com/L2gMoIiKUv— Sunderland Me Faz Ter Depressão (@SunderlandDepre) June 26, 2026
This success, combined with a better goal difference, puts Senegal in a favorable position in their group. The awarding of the goal to Habib Diarra simply enhances the individual statistics of a match already largely dominated by the Lions of Teranga. The team is now continuing its preparations with the goal of confirming this momentum in the next stages of the competition and securing their place in the next round.
