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Senegal's Lions seek World Cup 2026 qualification against Iraq after difficult start
via SeneNews5 min read
Senegal's national football team, the Lions, are at a crucial juncture in their 2026 World Cup campaign. Despite two initial defeats against France and Norway, the team still has a strong chance to qualify for the round of sixteen. A victory against Iraq is essential to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means that in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-placed teams will also advance, providing Senegal with an opportunity despite their early setbacks. Projections from Football Meets Data indicate that the third-placed team in Group I has over a 70% chance of being reprieved for the round of sixteen. Opta's supercomputer also estimates Senegal's qualification chances at nearly 70%, with simulations frequently predicting a win for the Lions against Iraq. A success in this decisive match would give Senegal three points, significantly boosting their prospects for advancing to the next stage. The match against Iraq is considered a final for both teams, as they vie for their future in the competition. The Lions, led by Sadio Mané, must deliver a strong performance to capitalize on these encouraging statistics and continue their World Cup journey.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The group stage of the World Cup 2026 is reaching its conclusion, with several teams vying for qualification into the round of 16. On Wednesday, six of the final 24 first-round matches are scheduled, determining the outcomes of Groups A, B, and C. Mexico has already qualified from Group A, while South Korea needs at least one point against South Africa to secure its spot. In Group B, co-hosts Canada and Switzerland are well-positioned before their match in Vancouver. All eyes will be on Group C in Miami, where Brazil faces Scotland. Brazil, needing only a point to qualify, might see the return of Neymar, who has been unavailable since the tournament's start. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is fit and has trained well, with teammate Gabriel Martinelli noting his high level of play. Meanwhile, Morocco needs to finalize their qualification against Haiti, one of the teams already eliminated. Cristiano Ronaldo, after a slow start, scored two goals against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups at 41 years and 138 days old. His performance helped Portugal secure a 5-0 victory. Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday with teammates, as Argentina has already qualified. England's Harry Kane missed a crucial opportunity against Ghana, resulting in a 0-0 draw, though England remains at the top of Group L. Croatia, with Luka Modric playing his 200th match, secured a 1-0 win against Panama, eliminating them from the tournament. The expansion of the tourn
Several members of the Senegalese football delegation, including the photographer Sidy Talla and the national team's community manager, will not be able to travel to Toronto for the Lions' third group stage match against Iraq due to visa problems. This issue also affects multiple members of the Senegalese Football Federation's Executive Committee who were unable to obtain Canadian visas. Only videographer Iliasse Bams will accompany the delegation to Toronto, leveraging his French passport for easier travel. The absence of the photographer and digital team members is a setback for the team's communication efforts, especially given the recent recognition of their content. The Lions are scheduled to depart their base on Wednesday at 7 PM GMT for Toronto, where they will play Iraq on Friday at 7 PM GMT in a crucial match for their World Cup progression. Following two defeats, Pape Thiaw's team must win to maintain their chances of qualifying for the round of 16.
The 2026 World Cup Group C match between Scotland and Brazil faces potential delays due to a weather alert in Florida. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the Miami area, where the game is scheduled to take place. FIFA is closely monitoring the situation, as American authorities have a strict protocol for thunderstorms: if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, all outdoor activities must be suspended for at least 30 minutes. Organizers are concerned about a scenario similar to the France-Iraq match, which was delayed due to weather conditions. A temporary postponement of the kick-off is possible as FIFA and local authorities continue to assess the situation before making a decision for this important Group C fixture.