Senegal thrash Iraq 5-0, on course for World Cup knockouts

Jun 26, 2026, 05:53 pm

Senegal racked up the goals on 10-man Iraq in a 5-0 victory Friday that boosted its hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.

Pape Gueye scored two second-half goals as the Senegalese -- vying to advance as from third place in Group I -- took advantage of a first-half red card on Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka for preventing Sadio Mané from going in on goal alone.

Habib Diarra scored in the fourth minute and even though Sulaka was sent off in the 13th, Senegal didn't find the net again until Ismaila Sarr's goal in the 56th minute.

Gueye then added his two goals and fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye netted Senegal's fifth.

Pape Gueye scored the pick of the goals as Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0.
Ezra Shaw - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Senegal now has three points and a plus-two goal differential.

The eight best third-place teams advance to the round of 32, with ties broken by goals scored and goal differential if necessary.

Iraq was eliminated without a point in its first World Cup appearance since 1986.