Senegal run riot against Iraq in Group I finale
Senegal ended their World Cup 2026 group stage campaign with a commanding 5–0 demolition of Iraq, wrapping up third place in Group I with a performance that was settled almost before Iraq had drawn breath.
Diarra set the tone by striking in the 4th minute, giving Senegal an immediate platform. Iraq offered little in response, and the contest was effectively over long before the final whistle.
Second-half blitz seals emphatic victory
Senegal picked up where they left off after the interval, with I. Sarr extending the lead in the 56th minute. P. Gueye then struck twice in quick succession — in the 59th and 71st minutes — to put the result beyond any doubt. I. Ndiaye rounded off the scoring in the 82nd minute, completing a five-goal haul that left Iraq with nothing to show from their tournament campaign.
Iraq, who finish bottom of the group without a point across their three matches, were unable to trouble the Senegal goal at any stage of the contest.
Group I final standings
The result confirms the final shape of Group I. France top the table on 9 points from three games, with Norway second on 6 points. Senegal take third on 3 points, while Iraq end the group stage on zero. For the full picture across all groups, see the live World Cup 2026 standings.
Senegal’s five-goal haul was built on an early lead and a ruthless second-half display, with P. Gueye’s brace the standout individual contribution on a night when Iraq had no answers.