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Senegal secures 5-0 victory against Iraq, boosting World Cup qualification hopes
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal's Teranga Lions achieved a decisive 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final 2026 World Cup group stage match, significantly improving their goal difference and reigniting their chances for qualification to the round of 16. This win gives Pape Thiaw's team three points, placing them in contention for one of the eight best third-place spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. Senegal's progression now depends on the outcomes of other matches. While teams with four points like Sweden, Ecuador, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Paraguay appear out of reach, Senegal could still advance if direct competitors such as Croatia, Algeria, or Scotland lose their final games. In the event of a three-point tie among several teams, goal difference will be the deciding factor, an indicator Senegal has substantially improved with their dominant performance against Iraq. The Lions also need unfavorable results for Cape Verde and Belgium, who are also vying for best third-place positions.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadIsma茂la 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.
Croatia, currently third in Group L, needs at least a draw against Ghana in Philadelphia on Saturday to secure a spot in the World Cup Round of 16. A win would guarantee them at least second place, while a draw would keep them among the eight best third-placed teams. The Croatian team, led by Luka Modri膰, has one point less than the Black Stars 4 points. Modri膰, a 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder playing in his fifth World Cup, was substituted in the first two matches. Croatia lost 4-2 to England before a 1-0 win against Panama. Ghana, under coach Carlos Queiroz, drew 0-0 with England and won 1-0 against Panama. Queiroz emphasized the need for concentration and resilience, acknowledging Croatia's "magnificent and experienced players," including Modri膰. He also noted that finishing second in the group could mean playing in Toronto without Thomas Partey, who missed the England match due to visa issues related to sexual assault allegations. Meanwhile, England, leading Group L with four points, needs to secure a win against Panama to avoid depending on the outcome of the other match. Panama, with zero points, aims to end their World Cup campaign on a positive note. Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze stated that England plays with the intensity and passion of the Premier League. Harry Kane, England's top scorer, has two goals in the competition and hopes to add to his tally against Panama.