FIFA appoints experienced referee team for Senegal vs. Iraq World Cup qualifier
via SeneNews1 min read
FIFA has appointed an experienced officiating team for the decisive World Cup 2026 match between Senegal and Iraq, scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, in Toronto. English referee Anthony Taylor will officiate the crucial Group I encounter, which is vital for Senegal's qualification to the round of 16. Taylor, a regular in the Premier League and Champions League, is considered one of Europe's most experienced referees. Assisting him will be his compatriots Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as first and second assistant referees, respectively. Khalid Alturais from Saudi Arabia will serve as the fourth official, with Mohammed Alabakry, also from Saudi Arabia, as the reserve assistant referee. This match is critical for Senegal, who lost their opening game to France 3-1 and their second group match to Norway 3-2, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. To advance, Senegal must defeat Iraq and hope for favorable results in other groups to secure a spot among the eight best third-placed teams for the round of 32.
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Senegal's path to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 has become more challenging following Bosnia and Herzegovina's win against Qatar. 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.