Senegal vs Iraq Betting Odds, Lineups, Prediction & Best Bets

Senegal vs Iraq Match Summary

This is do-or-die in Toronto. Senegal and Iraq both arrive winless and pointless, turning a Group I dead rubber for some into a survival game for two.

Senegal — one of Africa's heavyweights — sit on zero points after defeats to France and Norway. Their attack has shown up, but a leaky backline keeps undoing the good work.

Iraq are back at a World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Losses to Norway and France see Iraq on zero points, a win here would keep their Round of 32 hopes alive.

These two have never met in a competitive match. With third place the only prize left in play, both sides need a convincing result to keep their slim progression chances alive.

Senegal vs Iraq Form

Senegal have scored in both group games but conceded five across back-to-back losses, a clear sign the attack is firing while the backline leaks. Ismaila Sarr leads the way after a brace against Norway, and the squad still leans on stars like Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson. The talent is there — the defensive discipline has not been.

Iraq have struggled at both ends, scoring once and conceding seven in two defeats. Their mid-block has been bypassed too easily, leaving the backline exposed against quicker opponents. Creative hub Zidane Iqbal is the man tasked with sparking the attack, but this roster ranks bottom of the group for both standing and form.

Senegal vs Iraq Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Senegal: Edouard Mendy (Injured/doubtful)

Iraq: None reported

Senegal

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is a major doubt after a ligament problem against Norway, with Le Havre stopper Mory Diaw set to start in his place. With goals needed, Senegal will lean hard on big names like Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson to drag them out of trouble.

Iraq

Iraq report no absentees heading into this one. With a place in the knockout rounds already out of reach, the coaching staff may rotate the roster and hand minutes to fringe players in what is effectively a free hit.

Senegal vs Iraq Predicted Lineup

Senegal

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: M. Diaw; E. H. M. Diouf, M. Niakhate, K. Koulibaly, K. Diatta; L. Camara, P. Gueye, I. Gueye; S. Mane, N. Jackson, I. Sarr

Iraq

Formation: 4-1-3-2

Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Basil; M. Doski, A. Hashim, Z. Tahseen, H. Ali; Z. Iqbal; A. Jasim, A. A. Ammari, M. Farji; A. Hussein, A. A. Hamadi

Senegal vs Iraq Key Stats & Match Facts

• This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Senegal and Iraq.
• Both teams sit on zero points after two group games, so a win is the only way for both to stay in contention to progress to the knockout stages.
• Ismaila Sarr is Senegal's top scorer at the tournament after his brace against Norway.
• The two sides have conceded a combined 12 goals across their first four matches — Iraq seven, Senegal five.
• Iraq are at their first World Cup in 40 years, having last appeared in 1986.
• Senegal hold the better goal difference at -3, compared with Iraq's -6 in the race for third.

Senegal vs Iraq Talking Points

The story here is whether Senegal's defense can finally hold up long enough for their attacking quality to win the day. Veteran captain Kalidou Koulibaly has been at the center of costly individual errors against Norway, and that fragility at the back is the one thing standing between Senegal and a comfortable afternoon.

At the other end, the firepower of Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson should give the Teranga Lions enough to break down a struggling Iraq block. For Iraq, everything runs through Zidane Iqbal in transition — if he gets isolated, the service to the forwards dries up and a free-hit roster could end up chasing the game again.

Senegal vs Iraq Predictions FAQs

When is the Senegal vs Iraq World Cup 2026 game?

The Senegal vs Iraq World Cup 2026 match kicks off on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

How do the teams match up?

Senegal carry more attacking quality and tournament experience, but their defensive vulnerabilities have been a recurring issue. Iraq will look to play on the counter, but Senegal's superior squad depth should give them the edge in what is effectively a knockout game for both sides.

Where can I find Senegal vs Iraq lineups?

Projected lineups and team news for Senegal and Iraq will be updated as the teams prepare for their World Cup 2026 fixture.

Which tournament is the Senegal vs Iraq match played in?

The Senegal vs Iraq match is played as part of the World Cup 2026 tournament.

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