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A win for either Senegal or Iraq may be enough to send them through to the World Cup 2026 knockouts when they meet in Toronto on Friday night.
Both teams are stuck on zero points after two games in Group I, but three points could be enough to finish as one of the eight best third-placed sides.
Senegal currently occupy that spot on goal difference, and will ensure they finish third if they avoid defeat.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as which platforms offer the best world cup welcome bonuses.
Senegal vs. Iraq key stats
- Senegal have never lost three games in a single World Cup campaign.
- Iraq are on a three-match losing streak in all competitions.
- Senegal are unbeaten in two previous World Cup H2Hs against Asian nations (W1, D1).
Senegal vs. Iraq preview: Lions of Teranga to roar to victory?
| Senegal | vs | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | FIFA Ranking | 57 |
| Idrissa Gueye (133) | Most Caps | Jalal Hassan (103) |
| Sadio Mane (55) | Most Goals | Aymen Hussein (34) |
| 1017 | Total Caps | 859 |
| 132 | Total Goals | 90 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Senegal's third World Cup in succession has been a difficult one after suffering back-to-back defeats to France and Norway.
The Lions of Teranga have never lost three games at a single World Cup campaign, and will be aiming to avoid that against an Iraq side ranked 42 places below them in the FIFA rankings.
They also boast an unbeaten record against Asian nations at World Cup finals (W1, D1), but are winless in their last four matches in all competitions (D1, L3).
Pape Thiaw will be aiming to rectify that, but a win may not be enough for his team be ranked as one of the eight best third-placed sides, so he will also be aiming to improve Senegal's goal difference by scoring a few goals and keeping the ball out at the other end – although they may have to do so without first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who came off injured in their 3-2 defeat to Norway last time out.
Aymen Hussein was also withdrawn in Iraq's 3-0 loss to France with injury, and it would be a big blow should he miss out as he is the top scorer in the squad (34).
Graham Arnold will not want his team to panic though, as like Senegal, he knows a win here could see them through to the knockouts.
Iraq have an even worse goal difference to try and turn around though, so chances of progressing remain slim.
They are also on a three-match losing run across all competitions and are winless in four, so it will take an almighty performance to beat Senegal here.
Senegal vs. Iraq form guide & betting tips
| Senegal | vs | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
WLDLL |
Form | WDLLL |
| 8 | Goals For | 3 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 10 |
LL |
World Cup 2026 | LL |
Whispers predicts: Senegal 3-1 Iraq
Senegal are 1/4 (1.25) favourites to win, but while we agree with the bookies, these odds are too short for us to back.
Instead, our first pick is BTTS – Yes at 6/5 (2.20), which has come through in three of both teams' four group games combined.
Over 3.5 goals at 7/5 (2.40) is our next bet, as both sides will be desperate to attack and win the match.
In terms of player bets, Sarr scored a brace against Norway, and so Ismaila Sarr to score anytime at 6/4 (2.50) is also worth a punt in our eyes.
Overall, we are predicting a 3-1 Senegal win, which is available at 11/1 (12.00).
> BTTS – Yes at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 3.5 goals at 7/5 (2.40) | Likelihood: Possible
> Ismaila Sarr to score anytime at 6/4 (2.50) | Likelihood: Possible