Senegal 5-0 Iraq: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Senegal boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 5-0 win against 10-man Iraq

Senegal has secured a comfortable 5-0 victory over Iraq in their final group stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iraq have been eliminated from the tournament, while the Teranga Lions are still in the race for the playoffs as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the summer competition.

On that note, let’s take a look at the five key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash:

5. Iraq’s defence is the biggest issue

Iraq’s defence gave a lacklustre performance against Senegal, conceding five goals to a winless team. Interestingly, they conceded three goals against France and four against Norway. In the last group-stage game, when they were expected to pose tough competition to the African side, the Iraqi defence played their worst football.

4. Abdoulaye Seck should play more

Maccabi Haifa defender Abdoulaye Seck missed Senegal’s first two group stage games as Kalidou Koulibaly was given the opportunity by Pape Thiaw. However, for the last game, Abdoulaye Seck got his first start of the World Cup, and he delivered.

The 34-year-old made four defensive contributions while having 41 touches on the ball. Seck was not making any errors in his game, which helped him look better without any fancies.

Also Read: List of all nations qualified for Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026

3. Ayman Hussein’s absence haunts Iraq

Iraq’s lone goalscorer throughout the FIFA World Cup campaign, Ayman Hussein, was benched for the entire game against Senegal due to an injury, and his absence left the side looking hopeless. Ayman Hussein’s place was taken by Ali Al Hamadi, but the lack of experience and tactical knowledge was missing from the 24-year-old’s playing style.

2. Pape Gueye could put up a spectacle

Unlike Abdoulaye Seck, Pape Gueye played the first two games for Senegal at the FIFA World Cup. However, in both games, he failed to leave an impression, and for the last match, he was eventually benched.

Nevertheless, he scored twice coming off the bench, giving one of the best performances of his senior career. Thus, Gueye could potentially be used as a second-half substitute to utilise the fresh legs.

1. Ismaila Sarr over Nicolas Jackson

Ismaila Sarr, who has scored three times for the Teranga Lions in the summer competition so far, should take the central attacking role for the African side over Nicolas Jackson. Sarr’s experience and tactical intelligence came in handy against both Iraq and Norway.

If Pape Thiaw finds his best front three ahead of the next match, Senegal are likely to have a deeper run at the tournament.

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