Senegal Clinch Historic 5-0 Win Over Iraq to Reach Round of 32
Senegal secured their first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by dismantling Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match. After suffering defeats in their opening two games, the Teranga Lions faced elimination before kick-off. Coach Pape Thiaw made five changes to his starting lineup, and Habib Diarra set the tone with a powerful header from a corner. Iraq went down to ten men when Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity. In the second half, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye struck twice in quick succession. Sarr became the first Senegalese to both score and assist in a World Cup match, while Gueye grabbed a brace. Idrissa Ndiaye completed the rout, sealing a historic 5-0 triumph. The emphatic win not only boosted Senegal’s goal difference but also made them the first African side ever to win by five goals at a World Cup. It guaranteed their place in the Round of 32 and reignited hopes of a deep run in the tournament.
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