Bosnia's victory complicates Senegal's 2026 World Cup qualification hopes

This result increased competition among third-placed teams for the eight available qualification spots. Senegal, currently last in Group I with zero points after losses to France 1-3 and Norway 2-3, must defeat Iraq in their final group match to have any chance of advancing. A victory would give them three points, but this total may no longer guarantee qualification among the best third-placed teams due to the strengthened competition.

Goal difference and goals scored could become crucial tie-breakers. Despite the difficult situation, Senegal remains in contention due to the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, which qualifies the eight best third-placed teams from the twelve groups. The team, led by Pape Thiaw, not only needs to win against Iraq but ideally secure a victory by a significant margin to improve their negative goal difference.

The outcome of other group matches will also be closely monitored, as several teams could finish third with three points or fewer. The match against Iraq is now a decisive final; a win keeps qualification hopes alive, while a draw would effectively eliminate both teams.