Senegal secured a historic 5-0 victory against Iraq in their Group I World Cup match held in Toronto on June 26, 2026. This performance marks the first time an African nation has netted five times in a single World Cup fixture, significantly improving Senegal’s goal difference as they vie for a spot in the last 32 as a top third-placed team.
The match began with Habib Diarra scoring the opening goal from an Abdoulaye Seck header. Iraq’s situation worsened shortly thereafter when defender Rebin Sulaka received a red card for a foul on Sadio Mane, a decision made by referee Anthony Taylor following a VAR review. This dismissal occurred just 13 minutes into the game, representing the tournament’s fastest red card.
Senegal extended their lead in the second half. Ismaila Sarr capitalized on a defensive mistake by Zidane Iqbal to score in the 56th minute. Substitute Pape Gueye then made an immediate impact, netting two spectacular goals in the 59th and 71st minutes. Iliman Ndiaye completed the scoring with a powerful strike in the 82nd minute, leaving Iraq to conclude their tournament without securing a point.
