Senegal and Iraq face off in the third round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match kicks off on Friday, 26 June at 8 PM (BST) at BMO Field, Toronto.
Both teams enter this crucial match without a single point, having lost their opening two games of the tournament. With qualification for the knockout stages on the line, this Senegal vs. Iraq clash is a must-win for both sides, promising a tense encounter.
Discover our expert prediction for Senegal vs. Iraq and analysis of the best betting options for this encounter.
Match Overview - Senegal vs. Iraq
- Senegal enters this crucial match without points after two losses and off-field challenges. They need a win in this final group game to stand a chance of advancing.
- Iraq is in the same predicament, having also lost both their initial tournament matches. Their campaign has seen significant defeats, making a win essential for any qualification hope.
- This marks the first encounter between these nations, creating an unpredictable dynamic. Both teams are eager for a result, setting up a tense fight to avoid the group’s last place.
Head-to-Head Record
- This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the national teams of Senegal and Iraq.
- Senegal have struggled in their most recent games, entering the match on a four-game winless streak.
- Despite their current form, the African side has won 13 of their last 21 international matches.
- Iraq have had difficulty finding the back of the net, failing to score in four of their last ten games.
- Iraq has conceded a total of seven goals in their two World Cup matches so far.
- Aymen Hussein is the only Iraqi player to have scored in the tournament.
Senegal's Last Chance to Shine
Senegal faces early World Cup elimination after two losses to France and Norway, leaving them without points. They have conceded six goals, making this final group game a must-win to advance. High pressure surrounds them to deliver a result.
Despite defensive struggles, Senegal has scored three goals, with Ismaïla Sarr netting twice. Significantly, the squad is fully fit, including key forward Sadio Mané, allowing them to field their strongest side.
The team has quality but requires more balance in their play. A focused performance is essential to tighten the defence and secure three points. Only a victory in the World Cup 2026 will keep their tournament dreams alive.
Iraq's Uphill Battle
Iraq has faced a difficult World Cup campaign, suffering defeats to Norway and France, leaving them without points. They have conceded seven goals and scored only one, highlighting defensive issues and making this a crucial match.
Inconsistent form prior to the tournament has continued, preventing them from building momentum. Iraq now faces a struggle to avoid the bottom spot, needing a significantly better team performance.
Aymen Hussein, their sole goalscorer and key attacker, is questionable for this game due to a groin injury. The team must prioritise their defence, as a strong backline is crucial for any chance of a positive result.
Senegal vs. Iraq Prediction: Lions of Teranga to Win Comfortably
Senegal are the clear favourites in this crucial match, despite their recent poor results. With their tournament survival at stake, expect an aggressive start from the African side, making it a likely scenario for Senegal to lead at half-time.
Iraq’s defence has struggled massively, conceding seven goals in their first two games. Facing Senegal’s attack, which features Sadio Mané, this could result in several goals, potentially pushing the total over 2.5 goals for the match.
Given Senegal’s attacking quality against a vulnerable Iraqi backline, our main prediction is a comfortable victory. We anticipate that Senegal will win by at least a two-goal margin.
  | ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Money Line | Senegal to be leading at half-time | |
| Double Chance & Over/Under | Over 2.5 goals in the match | |
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
| ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Money Line | Senegal to be leading at half-time | |
| Double Chance & Over/Under | Over 2.5 goals in the match | |
Where to Watch Senegal vs. Iraq
Here’s the broadcast information for those wondering where to watch Senegal vs. Iraq:
- TV: ITV 4 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr)
- Streaming: BC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr)
Senegal vs. Iraq Predicted Lineups
As we look ahead to this World Cup 2026 clash, the predicted lineups offer a glimpse into each team’s potential strategy. The expected Senegal lineup suggests a focus on finding the right balance to control the game from the start. On the other hand, the probable Iraq lineup seems geared towards a resilient and strategic approach for this crucial group stage fixture. Both managers will be hoping their selected players can deliver a key performance in the prestigious competition.
Senegal
Diaw; Diouf, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diatta; I. Gueye, Camara, P. Gueye, Mane, Sarr; Jackson.
Manager: Pape Thiaw.
Iraq
Basil; Hashem, Ali, Doski, Tahseen; Qasem, Al-Ammari, Bayesh, Sher, Jasim; Al Hamadi.
Manager: Graham James Arnold.
Match Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: Senegal vs. Iraq
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Date: 26/06/2026
- Kick-off: 8 PM (BST)
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Broadcast: BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), ITV 4 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr)
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