Senegal delivered a statement performance in World Cup 2026, thrashing Iraq 5-0 in Toronto to boost their chances of advancing from Group I. Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye both found the net alongside Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye, as the Lions of Teranga recorded the largest win ever by an African nation at the tournament. The dominant victory gave Senegal control of their knockout stage destiny.

The massive margin proved essential after Senegal and Iraq both lost to France and Norway in their opening matches. With only 11 group games remaining, the 5-0 result positioned them strongly for a top-eight finish, likely setting up a last-16 clash against England. Iraq's hopes crumbled early when Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute for a red card after a VAR review, becoming only the second team in World Cup history to lose a player and concede in the opening 15 minutes.

Despite Iraq's defensive adjustments at halftime, Senegal broke the game open in the second period. Sarr converted a 56th-minute goal, followed by Gueye's sublime curler and a thunderous 132km/h strike. Ndiaye capped the rout with a late third, sealing a historic performance. The win elevated Senegal to the brink of eliminating Iraq from contention.

While nothing is finalized, Senegal now leads Group I with maximum points and figures to face England in the round of 32. Their emphatic display answered questions about their ability to compete with Europe's elite, proving they belong among the World Cup's final eight teams.