Senegal vs Iraq | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

African side Senegal will face Asian opponents Iraq in their last group stage game on 26th June at the Toronto Stadium in Canada. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group I: SEN vs IRQ | 00:30 IST, June 27, 2026

Group I was a potential group of death with France, Norway, Senegal and Iraq. Senegal lost both their group games previously, 3-1 to France and then 3-2 against Norway and Iraq lost both their games as well. Although both teams aren’t yet out of the competition, it’s an uphill task to qualify for the knockouts from here. 

The Senegalese played the Norwegians in their last game and fought well until the end but it wasn’t enough. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen scored the opener with Erling Haaland continuing his rich form with a brace. Ismaila Sarr was on the scoresheet for Senegal with two goals, one to make the score 2-1 and then in stoppage-time to make it 3-2. Senegal had a great run in the African Cup of Nations and were expected to perform well. However, they haven’t been able to compete with the European nations in this group, losing to both France and Norway. 

As for their opponents, Iraq qualified for the World Cup after four decades and were going to be the weakest team in this group. Both France and Norway secured emphatic victories over them. Their previous game was against Les Bleus which they lost 3-0. Kylian Mbappé scored a brace with Ousmane Dembélé also on the scoresheet for France. With two wins, France qualified for the knockouts, leaving Iraq’s chances of qualification dangling by a thread. 

Aymen Hussein has been the sole goal scorer for Iraq at this World Cup and could have threatened the vulnerable Senegalese defence but he is doubtful for this game due to a muscle injury. Edouard Mendy may be doubtful for Senegal due to a knee injury. 

Iraq has conceded seven goals in their two games and even if they defeat Senegal, they are potentially out of the World Cup. Senegal do have a slim chance but will have to win by a big margin. The Lions of Teranga do possess some great attacking talent in their lineup who could trouble the Iraqi defence. We believe Senegal will defeat Iraq comfortably to keep their knockout hopes alive. 

Score Prediction: Senegal 3-0 Iraq 

Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada