Pape Gueye came off the bench to score twice as Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0 at Toronto Stadium on Friday, finishing third in Group I and significantly strengthening their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage as one of the best third placed teams.
Both teams entered the final group match knowing only a convincing victory could keep their qualification hopes alive. Senegal made the perfect start and never looked back, while Iraq’s challenge collapsed after an early red card left them with 10 men for most of the contest.
Senegal struck after just four minutes with the earliest World Cup goal in the nation’s history. A dangerous corner from the right found Seck, whose powerful header flicked off Diarra before looping beyond goalkeeper Hassan and into the corner of the net. The goal came after only three minutes and 22 seconds, giving Senegal the ideal start.
Iraq’s situation worsened in the 13th minute when Rebin Sulaka received a red card following a VAR review. The defender initially escaped with a yellow card after bringing down Sadio Mane, but the referee upgraded the punishment after ruling he had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. Moments later, Hassan produced an excellent diving save to keep out Mane’s curling free kick as Senegal continued to dominate.
Teenager Mbaye continued to impress throughout the opening half. At 18 years and 153 days old, he became the youngest Senegalese player ever to start a World Cup match and the fifth youngest African player to start a game in the tournament. His pace and direct running constantly troubled the Iraqi defence.
Despite enjoying almost complete control, Senegal struggled to create clear chances in open play. Iraq rarely threatened and failed to register a meaningful opportunity, while Senegal lacked urgency in the final third despite knowing goal difference could prove decisive.
The first half ended with Senegal leading 1-0. Although they had the numerical advantage and controlled possession, the African side produced only 1.08 expected goals compared to Iraq’s 0.12. More goals were clearly needed to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Senegal came out with greater intensity after the restart. Mbaye delivered an inviting cross in the 51st minute, but Mane miscued his volley from close range and fired well over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, another golden chance arrived. Habib Diarra surged through midfield before finding Ismaila Sarr, but Hassan stood firm to deny the winger with a fine low save.
The pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute. Iqbal lost possession deep inside his own half, allowing Camara to steal the ball before squaring for Sarr, who calmly finished from close range to double Senegal’s advantage.
Only three minutes later, substitute Pape Gueye produced one of the goals of the tournament. Just 89 seconds after replacing Habib Diarra, the midfielder collected a pass from Sarr, cut onto his left foot and curled a stunning long range effort into the top corner for 3-0.
The goal also made Gueye just the third Senegal substitute to score at a World Cup after Bamba Dieng in 2022 and Mbaye earlier in this tournament. Meanwhile, Sarr became the first Senegalese player to record both a goal and an assist in the same World Cup match.
Gueye struck again in the 71st minute to complete his brilliant cameo. Ndiaye nodded the ball into his path inside the penalty area, and the midfielder smashed an unstoppable finish into the top corner to make it 4-0.
Senegal almost added another moments later when Mane clipped an ambitious effort that crashed against the post. Although he narrowly missed his first goal of the tournament, Iraq’s defence continued to struggle under relentless pressure.
The fifth goal finally arrived in the 82nd minute through Iliman Ndiaye. The Everton forward found himself with far too much space outside the penalty area and punished Iraq with a magnificent strike into the corner to complete an outstanding second half performance.
The emphatic victory also made history, as Senegal became the first African nation ever to score five goals in a FIFA World Cup match.
The result lifted Senegal into fifth place among the best third placed teams. Their superior goal difference now gives them an excellent chance of reaching the knockout rounds, while Iraq’s disappointing campaign ended without a victory.
