Senegal vs Iraq – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 26-06

Senegal and Iraq face off in the third round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. The match takes place this Friday, 26 June at 8 PM (BST) at the BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Both nations enter this game with zero points after two defeats. They must secure a victory to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages. This Senegal vs. Iraq prediction points towards a tense encounter.

Discover our detailed analysis and betting tips for this Senegal vs. Iraq match.

Senegal vs. Iraq - Head-to-head record

Senegal and Iraq meet for the first time in a senior international match during this World Cup group stage clash. There is no head-to-head record between the nations. The absence of prior encounters makes the Senegal vs. Iraq stats intriguing, shifting focus to current tournament form and squad quality.

Senegal - In a must-win situation

Senegal’s World Cup has been difficult, with two losses leaving them pointless and facing elimination. This final group stage match against Iraq is a must-win for them to have any chance of advancing. Here, we’ll analyse their recent form, the challenges within the squad, and their tactical approach for this decisive game.

Recent form

Senegal’s World Cup campaign has started poorly, with defeats in their first two group stage matches. They lost 3-1 to France before suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat against Norway. These results leave Senegal, who reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, at the bottom of their group with zero points, making this final game a must-win to keep any hope of advancing alive.

Off-field issues have also troubled the team throughout the tournament, compounding their on-pitch struggles. Reports have detailed disputes over player bonuses and concerns about logistical arrangements within the camp. Such distractions have created a challenging environment and could be affecting the squad’s focus and morale heading into this decisive fixture.

Despite the negative results, Senegal has shown some attacking threat, scoring three goals in two games. Ismaïla Sarr has been particularly sharp, finding the back of the net twice in the competition. With creative players like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson also in the squad, they have the quality to trouble any defence.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Senegal

Diaw; Diatta, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Diouf; Sarr, P. Gueye, Camara, Mane, I. Gueye; Jackson.

Manager: Pape Thiaw.

Iraq - Playing for their pride

Now, let’s turn our attention to Iraq. We will examine their current form, recent results, and the key players hoping to make an impact.

Recent form

Iraq enters this final World Cup group stage match having lost their initial two games. They suffered a 4-1 defeat against Norway and a 3-0 loss to France. These results place them at the bottom of Group I with zero points, having scored just one goal while conceding seven.

Their pre-tournament form was inconsistent, mixing results in friendlies and qualifiers. While they secured their place through Asian and Intercontinental qualifiers, they also experienced losses to teams like Venezuela. This highlighted their difficulty competing against stronger opponents, a challenge that has persisted in the World Cup.

The team’s struggles are compounded by the injury to Aymen Hussein, their captain and only goalscorer in the tournament. His potential absence would significantly weaken their attack. Although their chances of progression are slim, Iraq might play more openly, but their defensive weaknesses remain a concern against Senegal’s formidable forwards.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Iraq

Basil; Tahseen, Doski, Ali, Hashem; Jasim, Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Sher, Qasem; Al Hamadi.

Manager: Graham James Arnold.

Senegal vs. Iraq - Stats

• Senegal have been in strong overall form, winning 13 of their last 21 international matches.
• Iraq have struggled for consistency, losing eight of their last 21 games across all competitions.
• Senegal’s matches in this World Cup have been high-scoring, averaging 4.5 total goals per game.
• Defensively, Iraq have conceded an average of 3.5 goals per match in the tournament.
• Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson have been key creators for Senegal, each providing one assist.
• Amir Al-Ammari registered the only assist for Iraq in their two opening matches.

Predictions for Senegal vs. Iraq - Senegal to dominate

Senegal"s need for a victory is absolute, and with attackers like Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, they will likely press from the start. Expect them to take control early, making a “Half-Time Result" in their favour a strong possibility.

Iraq has struggled to find the net, scoring only once and now potentially missing their main striker, Aymen Hussein. This attacking weakness suggests that a “Both Teams to Score: No" market is a likely outcome for this encounter.

Considering Senegal"s superior quality and urgent need for points against a struggling Iraq, our main prediction is a win for the African team. They have the firepower to secure the necessary result and keep their qualification hopes alive.

Senegal x Iraq
Tip	Tip	Best Odd
Money Line	Senegal to be leading at Half-Time	1.78 at BetMGM
Double Chance & Over/Under	Both teams to score: No	at BetMGM

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on Senegal vs. Iraq

Here are a couple of additional betting tips for this crucial Senegal vs. Iraq match.

🔥 Double Chance & Over/Under: 12 and Over 2.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

Both teams" matches in this World Cup have been high-scoring. With Senegal pushing for a win, an open game is expected. This makes a decisive result combined with over 2.5 goals a very plausible outcome.

🔥 Asian Handicap: Senegal -1.5 - 1.72 at BetMGM

Senegal"s attack should overwhelm an Iraqi defence that has conceded heavily. A victory by a margin of at least two goals is a strong possibility, offering good value for bets on Senegal vs. Iraq.

Where to watch Senegal vs. Iraq?

Here is where to watch Senegal vs. Iraq live:

• TV: ITV X (Gbr), ITV 4 (Gbr),
• Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr)

Senegal vs. Iraq - Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: Senegal vs. Iraq
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 26/06/2026
• Kick-off: 8 PM (BST)
• Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Broadcast: ITV 4 (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr)

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