TORONTO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Senegal secured a dominant 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq at Toronto Stadium on Friday in its final Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The win significantly bolstered Senegal's goal difference, placing the African side in a strong position to qualify for the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Senegal started with intense pressure, finding the net just four minutes into the match when Abdoulaye Seck headed home from a corner kick.
The momentum shifted further in the 13th minute when Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a straight red card following a VAR check for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. With a man advantage, Senegal dominated possession and chances.
After the break, Senegal intensified its offensive efforts, scoring three goals in less than 20 minutes. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a clinical tap-in, followed by a spectacular strike from outside the box by Pape Gueye in the 59th minute. Gueye completed his brace in the 71st minute to make it 4-0, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed the 5-0 scoreline in the 82nd minute.
This victory was crucial for Senegal, who entered the match with a negative goal difference. The five-goal haul has significantly improved its standing among other third-placed teams on three points, giving Senegal a favorable path to the knockout stage.
Iraq, meanwhile, finished its 2026 World Cup campaign with three consecutive defeats.
