Who is Habib Diarra? Senegal goalscorer vs Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32
(Courtesy : Getty)
Habib Diarra scored in the 24th minute for the Lions of Teranga tonight.
Senegal took on Belgium in a Round of 32 fixture in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on July 1. Diarra put the African side ahead just before the first-half hydration break, heading in from close range after Thibaut Courtois failed to hold on to a save in the box.
This is Diarra’s second goal in the tournament. Earlier, he had scored in Belgium’s goal during the final Group I fixture against Iraq at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, on June 26. The Lions of Teranga needed a win in the game to stay in contention for qualification, and they took an early lead courtesy of Habib Diarra.
After a bright start in the contest, the breakthrough moment came in just the fourth minute. Idrissa Gana Gueye’s header from a corner was parried behind for a second set-piece opportunity for the African side.
This time, Abdoulaye Seck’s delivery from the corner found Habib Diarra. The midfielder outjumped his marker, and his bullet header beat Ahmed Basil and found the back of the net.
This was a must-win game for both sides, who were looking to clinch third place in the group. The Sunderland midfielder gave the African giants a big advantage. Iraq’s task was made much tougher when Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute.
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Habib Diarra Profile
- Age: 22
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Sunderland (England)
Born in Guediawaye, he moved to France to start his youth career with Mulhouse and Strasbourg. He made his senior debut with the latter in a Ligue 1 match against Saint-Etienne in 2021.
After making 92 appearances for the Blue and Whites, he departed for England, signing for the Premier League side Sunderland. The Black Cats signed him for an initial fee of 31.5 million euros.
Having moved to France at a young age, he represented Les Bleus up to the U-21. However, he switched his international allegiance to his birth nation, making his debut for the Lions of Teranga in 2024.
Since then, he has earned 23 caps for his national team, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
Who is Habib Diarra?
He is a 22‑year‑old midfielder who plays for Sunderland in the English Premier League and represents Senegal at the international level.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.