Senegal produced a record-breaking performance on Friday, defeating 10-man Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I fixture to boost their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup last 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The emphatic victory saw Senegal become the first African nation to score five goals in a World Cup match, with midfielder Pape Gueye netting twice in a dominant display. The result leaves the Teranga Lions with the best goal difference among teams currently on three points, strengthening their qualification prospects.
Iraq, meanwhile, exited the tournament without a point after a disappointing campaign despite an impressive qualification run.
Senegal made a dream start as Habib Diarra glanced Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner into the net for the opening goal, marking his first international strike since scoring against England in a friendly last year.
Iraq’s hopes suffered a major setback in the 13th minute when defender Rebin Sulaka, handed a starting role by coach Graham Arnold, was shown a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor after a VAR review found he had fouled Sadio Mane as the Senegal captain raced through on goal.
The dismissal was the earliest red card of the 2026 World Cup and the fourth fastest in the tournament’s history.
Despite playing with a numerical advantage for most of the first half, Senegal were unable to extend their lead before the interval, with Ismail Jakobs coming closest after firing narrowly wide from long range.
Iraq were forced into another setback at half-time when injured goalkeeper Ahmed Basil was replaced by veteran Jalal Hassan.
Senegal eventually took full control after the break. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute, capitalising on a costly mistake by former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal to score his third goal of the tournament.
Pape Gueye made it 3-0 just 89 seconds after coming on as a substitute, curling a superb effort into the net from outside the penalty area before adding his second with a thunderous half-volley 12 minutes later.
The rout was completed eight minutes from time when Iliman Ndiaye unleashed a spectacular long-range strike, leaving Iraq coach Graham Arnold watching helplessly from the dugout as Senegal sealed a memorable victory.
