Senegal rout 10-man Iraq to stay in World Cup hunt

Iraq play almost the entire match with 10 men after a VAR-reviewed red card

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - Senegal v Iraq - Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada - June 26, 2026 Senegal's Iliman Ndiaye celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Senegal crushed 10-man Iraq 5-0 on Friday to remain in the running for a place in the round of 32 and end their opponents' hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.

The West Africans enjoyed a dream start when Abdoulaye Seck's header directed off teammate Habib Diarra and into the Iraqi net in the fourth minute.

Iraq went down a man in the 12th minute when the referee decided after a VAR review to send off defender Rebin Sulaka for pulling down Sadio Mane as the Senegalese striker was through on goal.

Senegal, who ran riot after the break with goals by Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and a double from Pape Gueye, must wait to see if ⁠they will advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.