World Cup 2026: Senegal vs Iraq - Preview, team news and kick-off time

Wed 24th Jun, 2026 22:56

Senegal and Iraq head into their final Group I clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup knowing that victory is crucial if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

The two nations will meet at BMO Field in Toronto on Friday in a high-pressure encounter, with both sides still searching for their first win of the competition after difficult starts to the tournament.

For Senegal, expectations were significantly higher heading into what is their third consecutive World Cup appearance. However, defeats to France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) have left the Lions of Teranga on the brink of an early exit.

Another defeat would mark the first time Senegal have lost all three matches in a single World Cup campaign. Their defensive struggles have also become a major concern after conceding at least three goals in consecutive matches for the first time this century.

Despite those setbacks, Senegal still have reasons to believe. The West Africans have kept eight clean sheets in their last ten international victories, and with qualification as a third-placed team still mathematically possible, they remain firmly focused on securing the result they need.

Iraq, meanwhile, are competing in only its second World Cup finals appearance in their history. Although qualification for the tournament itself was celebrated as a major achievement, defeats against Norway (4-1) and France (3-0) exposed the challenge of competing in one of the competition’s toughest groups.

The heavy losses have severely damaged Iraq’s goal difference, leaving them in an even more difficult position than Senegal. Their progression is no longer fully in their own hands, and even a victory may not be enough to secure a place in the round of 32.

Defensive improvement will be crucial if Iraq are to have any chance of producing a surprise result. However, they have managed just one clean sheet in their last eight international matches, a statistic that underlines the scale of the challenge awaiting them in Toronto.

Friday’s encounter will also be the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Senegal, however, are unbeaten in their previous World Cup matches against Asian opposition, recording one win and one draw in those encounters.

Senegal possible starting lineup: Diaw; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I Gueye, P Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane.

Iraq possible starting lineup: Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Ismail, Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Qasem, Al-Hamadi, Bayesh.

The match between Senegal and Iraq is scheduled for Friday, June 26, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

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World Cup 2026: Senegal vs Iraq – All You Need to Know Before the Match

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