Both Senegal and Iraq are winless after two matches in Group I, making this a must-win clash to keep faint knockout hopes alive. Who will claim their first points?
Two defeats apiece. Zero points. A combined goal difference of -9. When Senegal and Iraq walk out for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I encounter on June 26, both teams will be desperate to salvage something from a tournament that has so far been a nightmare. For the Lions of Teranga, a side that reached the Round of 16 in 2022, this is uncharted territory. For Iraq, making only their second World Cup appearance, the step up in class has been brutally exposed. Yet in the cauldron of a must-win group game, form often goes out the window. Expect a tense, high-stakes affair where the loser can officially book an early flight home.
Summary
Group I has been a one-sided story so far. France and Norway have dominated, leaving Senegal and Iraq rooted to the bottom with identical records: played two, lost two, zero points. Senegal opened with a 2-3 defeat to Norway, a game they led twice before collapsing defensively. They then suffered a 1-3 loss to France, where individual errors proved costly. Iraq, meanwhile, were outclassed 0-3 by France in their opener and then fell 1-4 to Norway, showing defensive fragility against quality opposition.
This match is effectively a playoff for third place, but with both teams still mathematically alive (a win here could set up a final-day miracle), the motivation is real. Senegal will be favourites given their higher FIFA ranking and greater experience, but Iraq have shown flashes of counter-attacking promise. The key question: can Senegal's attack finally click, or will Iraq's stubbornness earn them a historic point?
Team News & Form
Senegal have been hampered by the absence of key midfielder Pape Matar Sarr through injury, while captain Kalidou Koulibaly has looked off the pace. Coach Aliou Cissé may shuffle his defence, with Abdou Diallo pushing for a start. Up front, Sadio Mané remains the talisman, but he has been isolated in the first two games. Expect a more direct approach, with Ismaïla Sarr providing width on the right.
Iraq have no major injury concerns but have struggled to create chances. Coach Jesús Casas has stuck with a 4-2-3-1 shape, relying on the creativity of midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh and the pace of winger Ali Al-Hamadi. Defensively, the central pairing of Saad Natiq and Rebin Sulaka has been exposed by pace. Iraq will likely sit deep and look to hit on the break, hoping to exploit Senegal's high defensive line.
Both teams have yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament, so defensive solidity will be a priority. Senegal's recent form reads L-L, Iraq's L-L, but Senegal's losses came against stronger opponents, while Iraq's were more one-sided.
Key Players
Sadio Mané (Senegal) – The former Liverpool star remains Senegal's biggest threat. He scored against Norway and forced a good save from France's goalkeeper. His movement between the lines and ability to finish from tight angles will be crucial. Iraq will likely double-mark him, which could free up space for others.
Ibrahim Bayesh (Iraq) – The creative heartbeat of Iraq's midfield. Bayesh has the vision to pick out runs from deep and is a set-piece specialist. He scored Iraq's only goal so far (a consolation against Norway). If Iraq are to trouble Senegal, Bayesh must find pockets of space behind the midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; S. Diatta, Koulibaly (c), A. Diallo, Jakobs; P. Gueye, N. Mendy, Dieng; I. Sarr, Mané, Dia.
Iraq (4-2-3-1): Jalal; Adnan, Natiq, Sulaka, Ibrahim; Al-Ammari, Attwan; Al-Hamadi, Bayesh, Rashid; Hussein.
Key Battles
Koulibaly vs. Hussein: Senegal's captain has been uncharacteristically shaky. Iraq's striker Aymen Hussein is a physical presence who can hold up play. If Koulibaly is not at his best, Hussein could cause problems.
Mané vs. Sulaka: The Iraqi centre-back will have his hands full with Mané's movement. Sulaka's lack of pace could be ruthlessly exposed if Iraq push too high.
Head-to-Head
These two nations have never met in a competitive fixture. The only previous encounter was a friendly in 2018, which Senegal won 2-0. That result offers little insight given the different contexts, but it does give Senegal a psychological edge.
Score Prediction
Senegal have the superior individual quality and will be desperate to avoid elimination. Iraq have shown heart but lack the defensive organisation to contain Mané and co. for 90 minutes. Expect Senegal to dominate possession and eventually break through. Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Iraq.
Where to Watch
Kickoff is at 19:00 UTC. Broadcast details vary by region. Check local listings for official World Cup broadcasters. For live updates, follow our fixtures page and standings. For more on the teams, visit our Senegal team page and Iraq team page.
