Senegal kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout hopes alive in spectacular fashion, thrashing Iraq 5-0 in Toronto to record the biggest victory ever achieved by an African nation at the World Cup. With both teams entering the final group match after two defeats, only a convincing win would keep realistic qualification hopes alive—and Senegal delivered exactly that.

The African side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just four minutes into the contest, Habib Diarra reacted quickest inside the penalty area to turn a headed effort into the net and hand Senegal an early advantage.

Iraq's task became significantly harder in the 15th minute when defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Following a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor had little hesitation in dismissing the centre-back, leaving the Asian side to battle with ten men for more than 75 minutes.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Iraq managed to reach half-time trailing by only one goal. However, the contest quickly slipped away after the restart.

Within three devastating minutes, Ismaïla Sarr converted a low cross to double the lead before substitute Pape Gueye produced a superb curling finish to make it 3-0. The midfielder then completed his brace in spectacular style, unleashing a thunderous strike measured at 132 km/h that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout late in the match with a composed finish, sealing a memorable 5-0 victory and writing a new chapter in African football history.

If results elsewhere remain unchanged, Senegal will face England in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the knockout stage.