Senegalvs
Iraq
Group Stage · Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 20:00 ET · Estadio Toronto, Toronto
Houston's furnace meets Baghdad's compact block
Iraq's 5-4-1 under Spanish coach Jesús Casas will be tested by Sadio Mané and Ismaila Sarr in 90°F heat. The Lions of Teranga beat Iraq 2-0 in a 2017 friendly, but this World Cup debutant squad has tightened since conceding just twice in Asian qualifying. Watch left-back Ali Adnan's duel with Sarr – his 32km/h sprints could decide Iraq's survival.
Koulibaly's last dance vs Aymen Hussein's aerial threat
At 35, Kalidou Koulibaly anchors a Senegal defense that kept 5 clean sheets in 2026 qualifying. But Iraq's 6'3 striker Aymen Hussein scored 7 headers in qualifiers – including a brace against Japan. Set pieces at NRG Stadium's narrow dimensions could tilt this. Iraq conceded 60% of goals from dead balls in 2025.
Group I's third-place equation starts here
With Netherlands likely topping the group, this match may decide who advances as runner-up or best third-placed team. Senegal's -3 goal difference in 2022 group stage proved fatal; Aliou Cissé won't risk repeats. Iraq needs at least a point before facing the Dutch. Check live standings as this unfolds.
Match details
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Stage: Group Stage
- Venue: Estadio Toronto, Toronto
- Kickoff: Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 20:00 ET
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Frequently asked questions
What time is Senegal vs Iraq?+
3pm CT on June 26, 2026 at NRG Stadium, Houston.
Has Iraq ever beaten Senegal?+
No. Their only meeting was a 2-0 Senegal win in 2017 friendly.
How many World Cups has Iraq played in?+
This is their debut in the expanded 48-team format.
Who is Iraq's key player?+
Striker Aymen Hussein – 12 goals in 2026 qualifying, including two against Japan.
What's Senegal's record in opening games?+
Won 1 (2022 vs Netherlands), lost 2 (2002, 2018).
Can both teams advance from Group I?+
Yes. If one wins here and the other takes points off Netherlands or Chile.