Senegal vs Iraq — Live Score, How to Watch & Preview

Senegal vs Iraq kicks off in GROUP I of the 2026 World Cup. Below you’ll find the live score, the kickoff time in your own timezone, exactly where to watch in every country, the full head-to-head record and the key players to watch.

Match preview

Senegal enter their second World Cup campaign under coach Aliou Cissé, aiming to build on their 2022 Round of 16 run. The Lions of Teranga boast a formidable spine led by Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), whose pace and creativity remain key. Midfield enforcer Idrissa Gueye (Everton) provides balance, while defender Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) marshals the backline. Senegal rely on quick transitions and set-piece threats, with Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) a reliable last line.

Iraq, making their first appearance since 1986, arrive as underdogs but with a disciplined, counter-attacking style. Coach Jesús Casas has instilled defensive organization, with key players like midfielder Ali Adnan (Al-Markhiya) and forward Mohanad Ali (Al-Shorta) providing outlet. Iraq's strength lies in set pieces and pressing; they stunned Japan in Asian Cup qualifying. However, they lack top-tier experience and will need to absorb pressure.

Key battle: Mané vs Iraq's right-back — if Iraq double-team, gaps may appear for Senegal's midfield runners. Senegal need a win to control Group I, while Iraq seek a historic point. Expect Senegal to dominate possession but face a stubborn Iraqi defense. A tight first half could open up after the break.

Key players to watch

Senegal

Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr) — The talismanic forward, Senegal's all-time top scorer, brings pace, dribbling and clutch finishing.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) — Veteran center-back, leader of the defense, strong in duels and aerial balls.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton) — Midfield engine, breaks up play and links defense to attack.

Iraq

Ali Adnan (Al-Markhiya) — Left-back and set-piece specialist, capable of dangerous crosses and free kicks.
Mohanad Ali (Al-Shorta) — Striker with good movement and finishing, Iraq's main goal threat.
Amir Al-Ammari (Al-Qadsia) — Midfielder, orchestrates play and provides defensive cover.

How to watch Senegal vs Iraq — by country

Kickoff is … in your local time. Here’s the official broadcaster and stream in each country:

Australia

Australia: SBS has exclusive rights and is keeping the whole tournament free. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — no subscription needed.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: A consortium of state broadcaster BTV, T Sports and Star News has secured the rights (confirmed days before kickoff after an earlier deal collapsed). Matches air live on BTV (free-to-air), with T Sports and Star News on cable and the T Sports app/website for streaming. As terms were only just finalised, confirm exact channel splits with local listings.

Brazil

Brazil: Grupo Globo carries every Brazil match, the final and half the remaining games across TV Globo, SporTV and Globoplay. CazéTV streams all 104 matches live and free in 4K on YouTube, and free-to-air channel SBT shows a selection including Brazil games and knockouts. Easiest free option: CazéTV on YouTube.

Canada

Canada: Bell Media is the official broadcaster. All 104 matches air on TSN (English) and RDS (French) via cable, with select games — including Canada's matches, the opener and the final — free over the air on CTV. Stream on TSN+, the RDS app, or Crave.

Germany

Germany: Deutsche Telekom''s MagentaTV holds rights to all 104 matches (44 exclusive), requiring a subscription. ARD and ZDF each show 30 matches free-to-air — including all Germany games, the opening match, semi-finals and final — on TV and their online streams.

India

India: Zee Entertainment holds the official rights. All 104 matches air on the new Unite8 Sports 1/1 HD (Hindi) and Unite8 Sports 2/2 HD (English) TV channels, and stream on ZEE5 (paid subscription, from about Rs 799 for 3 months). There is no free-to-air option, so a ZEE5 plan or a TV pack carrying Unite8 Sports is needed.

FAQ

When is Senegal vs Iraq?

Fri, Jun 26 at 07:00 PM UTC — shown in your local time on this page — in GROUP I of the 2026 World Cup.

How can I watch Senegal vs Iraq?

Through the official 2026 World Cup broadcaster in your country — for example BBC/ITV (UK, free), Fox & Telemundo (USA), beIN Sports (Middle East), SBS (Australia, free). See the full country-by-country guide on this page.