Senegal vs Iraq – Match preview and team news

Senegal and Iraq meet in a crucial Group I encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday at the Toronoto Stadium. Both teams will look to secure three points with a high goal difference that will help them in progressing to the next round.

Senegal vs Iraq – Match preview and team news

Date: Friday, 26th June.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Ontario, Canada.

Senegal team news

Senegal faces a critical selection crisis in goal ahead of their high-stakes encounter against Iraq.

Star goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is a major injury doubt after sustaining a ligament injury during the Lions of Teranga’s recent 3-2 defeat to Norway.

If Mendy fails his late fitness test, Le Havre shot-stopper Mory Diaw is fully prepared to deputise in his place.

Aside from this major concern, manager Pape Thiaw boasts a completely healthy squad. He is highly likely to field a potent, veteran-heavy starting lineup to secure a high-margin victory.

Key figures such as Kalidou Koulibaly will anchor the defence, while Idrissa Gueye controls the midfield tempo.

Up front, the explosive trio of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, and Nicolas Jackson will complete the attack, carrying the nation’s final hopes of squeezing into the tournament’s knockout round of 32.

Iraq team news

Iraq enter this final group stage fixture with a relatively healthy squad, giving head coach Graham Arnold plenty of tactical flexibility.

The only minor fitness concern revolves around talismanic captain Aymen Hussein, who continues to manage a lingering muscle issue ahead of kickoff.

Because the Lions of Mesopotamia face near-certain elimination following successive losses to France and Norway, Arnold is expected to rotate his starting eleven to give fresh players tournament experience.

Despite potential changes, dynamic young playmaker Zidane Iqbal is tipped to keep his starting role in midfield to spark the team’s creative transitions.

He will provide service to dangerous forward Ali Al-Hamadi, who is set to lead the attack. Supported by a defensive line featuring Zaid Tahseen and Merchas Doski, Iraq will fight to secure their first-ever historic point on the world stage.

Form

Senegal

Senegal enters this final fixture in a worrying slump. They have won just one of their last five matches. They opened their Group I campaign with a 3-1 defeat against France, which they quickly followed with a frustrating 3-2 loss to Norway. Before the tournament, they recorded a 0-0 friendly draw with Saudi Arabia and a 3-2 loss to the USA. Their leaky defence has now conceded six tournament goals.

Iraq

Iraq find themselves in even poorer form, suffering consecutive, heavy defeats in Group I. The Lions of Mesopotamia were soundly beaten 4-1 by Norway in their tournament opener and then fell 3-0 to France. While they managed a notable 1-1 friendly draw against Spain and a narrow 1-0 victory over Andorra in May, their massive defensive vulnerabilities have completely compromised their competitive edge.

Predicted lineups

Senegal: Diaw; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I Gueye, P Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane

Iraq: Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Ismail, Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Qasem, Al-Hamadi, Bayesh

How to watch Senegal vs Iraq?

In the United Kingdom, you can watch the Senegal vs. Iraq World Cup match live on ITV4.

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Senegal vs Iraq – Match preview and team news