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Senegal defeats Iraq 4-0 in 2026 World Cup qualifier, Pape Gueye scores twice
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Iraq on Friday in Toronto during the third matchday of Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Pape Gueye was a standout player, scoring two goals for Senegal. Iraq played most of the match with ten men after receiving a red card in the first half, which significantly impacted their performance. Senegal's dominant display led to a comfortable win, with Pape Gueye's second goal in the 71st minute sealing the 4-0 scoreline.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSenegal's Lions secured a decisive 5-0 victory against Iraq in the World Cup. Ismaïla Sarr, who scored his third goal of the tournament, commended his team's commitment and expressed optimism for qualification to the round of 16. Sarr highlighted the team's serious performance and the importance of improving goal difference for advancement. He stated, "It was a match we had to win, and we won. We wanted to score more goals, because you never know. So congratulations to the team. We did an excellent job today." Sarr is now the Lions' top scorer in the tournament with three goals. The Crystal Palace forward and his teammates are hopeful for a place in the round of 16 following this strong performance against Iraq, pending the results of other matches.
Must ReadIsmaïla Sarr has made history by becoming Senegal's all-time leading goal scorer in the World Cup. During the 2026 World Cup, Sarr scored his second goal against Iraq on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the third group stage match, bringing his total to four World Cup goals. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Papa Bouba Diop, who had three goals. Sarr, an attacker for Crystal Palace, has scored three goals in the 2026 edition and one in 2022. In the current tournament, he has scored two goals against France and one against Iraq. He also provided an assist in the match against Iraq, making him the first Senegalese player to score a goal and deliver an assist in a single World Cup match. Overall, Sarr has contributed four offensive actions in the 2026 World Cup with three goals and one assist.
Following their 5-0 victory over Iraq, Senegal awaits other group results to determine their World Cup 2026 fate. Several scenarios could lead to their qualification for the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. In the simplest scenario, Spain must defeat Uruguay in Group H, Egypt must beat Iran in Group G, and either Belgium must win against New Zealand or New Zealand must win against Belgium. Additionally, Algeria must not defeat Austria in Group J; a draw or an Austrian victory would secure Senegal's advantage. A second scenario involves the same initial conditions Spain win, Egypt win, favorable Belgium vs. New Zealand result plus the Democratic Republic of Congo not winning against Uzbekistan. A third option also requires Spain and Egypt to win, and a favorable Belgium vs. New Zealand outcome, but hinges on Croatia losing to Ghana.