Senegal bounced back perfectly after a tough start to the competition. After losing their first two matches against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2), the Lions could not afford any mistakes against Iraq. Pape Thiaw’s men responded with authority, winning decisively (5-0) in a match they gradually controlled. This victory completely revitalizes the Senegalese in their quest for qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Thanks to this win, they now have a positive goal difference (+2) and can still believe in a spot in the Round of 16.
Knowing what was at stake, the Lions kicked off the match with high intensity. In just the 4th minute, they found the net on their first real chance. From a perfectly taken corner by Lamine Camara, Abdoulaye Seck rose high to head the ball down. The ball, slightly deflected by Habib Diarra, caught the Iraqi goalkeeper off guard and found the back of the net. This quick opener immediately freed the Senegalese, who continued to dominate in the following minutes.
Fueled by this lead, Pape Thiaw’s men kept pressing their opponent. Idrissa Gana Gueye notably shone with a dangerous volley, which was deflected for a corner by the Iraqi defense. Senegal dominated possession and set a high tempo, while Iraq struggled to escape their half. The Lions looked poised to extend their lead quickly but lacked precision in the final touch.
The turning point of the match came in the 14th minute. Sadio Mané was sent through on goal, finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper when he was pulled down illegally by Sulaka. Initially, English referee Anthony Taylor let play continue, but the intervention of the video assistant changed the decision. After reviewing the footage, he sent off the Iraqi defender for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Reduced to ten men for over 75 minutes, Iraq had to completely rethink their organization.
With the numerical advantage, Senegal logically took control of the ball. However, the Lions experienced a less inspired period. Their passing became less fluid, the tempo dropped, and clear chances became scarce. Well-organized, Iraq tried to hold on by countering and capitalizing on some Senegalese turnovers. Goalkeeper Basil made a name for himself by saving a dangerous free kick from Sadio Mané, keeping his team in the match despite being a man down.
UPDATE
Senegal is currently 5th https://t.co/wMcRQXW6e7 pic.twitter.com/d0ihjDOB3x
— ABDOU FALL (@ABDUUUFAAAAL) June 26, 2026
At the end of the first half, the Senegalese left some spaces at the back but were not truly threatened. Despite having a significant possession advantage and clear territorial dominance, they failed to score a second goal before the break. Nevertheless, Senegal went into the locker room with a deserved lead and the certainty that they had the cards in hand to make a difference after the break. The second half confirmed this feeling, with an offensive display culminating in a resounding 5-0 victory.
