Senegal's early surge puts Iraq on the brink of exit

In a World Cup group match played today at 23:04, Senegal recorded a 5‑0 victory over Iraq, securing their first win of the tournament and keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, while Iraq’s campaign ended with the defeat.

Senegal opened the scoring within four minutes when Habib Diarra headed home from a corner. Ten minutes later, Iraq were reduced to ten men after Rebin Sulaka received a red card following a VAR review of a challenge on Sadio Mané.

After the early goal, Senegal struggled to create further chances. Iraq pressed for an equaliser, with Ismail Jakobs missing a chance to double the lead and Sadio Mané also failing to find the net before the break.

Ten minutes after the restart, Lamine Camara recovered a loose ball and set up Ismaila Sarr, who calmly finished to make it 2‑0. Five minutes later, 27‑year‑old midfielder Pape Gueye struck the ball hard to increase the lead to 3‑0.

In the 71st minute, Gueye added his second of the match, extending the advantage to 4‑0. The final blow came from Iliman Ndiaye, who scored to complete the 5‑0 tally.

The five‑goal margin represents Senegal’s biggest World Cup victory ever, and the team now awaits the outcomes of other group matches to determine whether they finish among the top three. Iraq, having been eliminated, will depart the tournament.

Senegal must monitor the remaining fixtures to see if their points tally secures a place in the round of sixteen.