Senegal vs Iraq: World Cup 2026 preview

Senegal and Iraq meet on 26 June 2026 at 19:00 GMT (15:00 EST) at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), each needing a win after defeats on Matchday 2. Senegal fell 3–2 to Norway in a high-scoring contest, while Iraq were beaten 3–0 by France, leaving both sides with little margin for error in Group I.

Pape Thiaw’s Senegal must tighten defensive transitions while retaining the attacking traits that have caused danger. Édouard Mendy will keep goal behind centre-backs Moussa Niakhaté and Kalidou Koulibaly, with El Hadji Diouf and Krépin Diatta at full-back; Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye form the midfield spine and Nicolas Jackson leads a front three featuring Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr.

Graham Arnold’s Iraq arrive with a fully fit squad but in need of greater offensive fluency and confidence after their loss to France. Ahmed Basil is expected in goal with Ali Hashim and Zaid Tahseen at centre-back and Merchas Doski and Hussein Ali at full-back.

Canada, Toronto

senegal, iraq, world cup, bmo field, pape thiaw, édouard mendy, sadio mané, nicolas jackson, group i, france