Read our Senegal vs Iraq prediction, lineups, and betting tips for Friday's match. Get the latest odds and bet builder picks for this World Cup clash.
Senegal vs Iraq Match Summary
Competition | FIFA World Cup |
|---|---|
Match Date | Friday 26 June 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Toronto, Toronto Stadium |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | ITV 4, RTE 2 |
The Group I finale in Toronto throws Senegal and Iraq together with both sides chasing a result that keeps their World Cup dreams flickering rather than dead.
Senegal arrive on the back of two defeats, beaten by France and Norway, and now need a convincing win to cling on to any hope of progressing.
Iraq, back at this stage for the first time in forty years, have lost both outings and would settle for a first point on the global stage.
With negative goal differences hanging over both, only a sizeable winning margin gives either nation a realistic shot at sneaking through as a best third-place side.
Senegal vs Iraq Form
Senegal came through CAF qualifying unbeaten but have leaked six goals in two World Cup outings. The attacking talent is there, with Ismaila Sarr already firing in three goals at the tournament, including a brace against Norway. Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson carry the weight up top, yet a leaky defence keeps undermining their dominance and possession.
Iraq reached their first World Cup since 1986 but the step up has been brutal, losing 4-1 to Norway and 3-0 to France. Their only goal so far came from forward Aymen Hussein, and France kept them quiet entirely. They have struggled to keep the ball, averaging well under 40 per cent possession, and look short of the cutting edge needed at this level.
Senegal vs Iraq Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Senegal: Edouard Mendy (Injured/doubtful)
Iraq: No absentees reported
Senegal
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is a major doubt after a ligament problem against Norway, with Le Havre stopper Mory Diaw set to deputise. With qualification slipping away, Senegal need their big names like Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson to deliver in a fixture that demands goals.
Iraq
Iraq report no absentees heading into this one, leaving the coaching staff with a full pool to choose from. With the knockout stages already out of reach, there may be a temptation to freshen things up and hand minutes to fringe members of the squad.
Senegal vs Iraq Predicted Lineup
Senegal
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: M. Diaw; E. H. M. Diouf, M. Niakhate, K. Koulibaly, K. Diatta; L. Camara, P. Gueye, I. Gueye; S. Mane, N. Jackson, I. Sarr
Iraq
Formation: 4-1-3-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Basil; M. Doski, A. Hashim, Z. Tahseen, H. Ali; Z. Iqbal; A. Jasim, A. A. Ammari, M. Farji; A. Hussein, A. A. Hamadi
Senegal vs Iraq Key Stats & Match Facts
Senegal have conceded six goals across their opening two group games, three against France and three against Norway.
Iraq have shipped seven goals so far, beaten 4-1 by Norway and 3-0 by France.
Senegal averaged 52.45 per cent possession in their first two fixtures, while Iraq managed just 38.5 per cent.
Iraq racked up 26 fouls and three yellow cards across two matches, compared to Senegal's 14 fouls and a clean card record.
Senegal fired 22 shots in two games but landed only six on target, a return of 27.3 per cent accuracy.
Senegal vs Iraq Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Senegal are heavy favourites and the numbers point to a comfortable win, with the projected scoreline landing around 2-0 in their favour. The Lions of Teranga should control the ball and create enough to see this one out. Our prediction is a Senegal win.
Best Bets
Both Teams To Score: Yes at 6/5 with AK Bets. Senegal's defence has leaked six goals in two outings and Iraq still carry a threat through Aymen Hussein, making a clean sheet for either side far from certain in a fixture where both sides need to attack.
Over 2.5 Goals at 11/20 with AK Bets. The model projects a combined total of just over three goals, Senegal's defence has been porous throughout the group stage, and Iraq will have to commit men forward chasing their first points of the tournament.
Senegal vs Iraq Bet Builder
Our three-leg bet builder backs Senegal to win, pairs it with Pape Gueye over 0.5 shots on target and throws in a card for Kalidou Koulibaly.
Senegal to win is the anchor. The favourites have the quality to break down an Iraq side that has already lost twice and is no longer playing for qualification.
Pape Gueye over 0.5 shots on target makes sense with the midfielder expected to push forward from the engine room and test the keeper in a game Senegal should dominate.
Kalidou Koulibaly to be shown a card fits a stubborn defender likely to be dragged into physical duels as a desperate Iraq throw bodies forward late on.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 13/1 and is as short as 6/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £70 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Senegal vs Iraq Talking Points
This is a redemption fixture for both, the Lions of Teranga against the Lions of Mesopotamia, with the winner needing a hefty margin to keep alive any hope of a best third-place finish. Iraq, back on this stage for the first time since 1986, would treasure a first ever World Cup point, while Senegal simply have to win to keep their campaign breathing. Expect both sides to take risks, because anything cagey suits neither, and that should make for an open and messy contest in Toronto.
Senegal vs Iraq Predictions FAQs
When is the Senegal vs Iraq World Cup game?
The Senegal vs Iraq World Cup match is scheduled to kick off on Friday 26 June 2026 at 20:00 UK time.
What is the prediction for Senegal vs Iraq?
Our Senegal vs Iraq prediction and betting tips will be updated ahead of kick-off, featuring the latest team news, lineups, and analysis.
What are the latest betting odds for Senegal vs Iraq?
The latest betting odds for Senegal vs Iraq are available at major sportsbooks, with updated prices for match winner, goals, and bet builders.
Where can I watch Senegal vs Iraq?
The Senegal vs Iraq World Cup match will be broadcast live on designated sports channels and streaming platforms in the UK.
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