Senegal: Searching for Consistency Under Pressure

Senegal came into the 2026 World Cup with genuine ambitions of making a deep run, but consecutive defeats to France (1-3) and Norway (2-3) have left Pap Thiaw's side under mounting pressure. Rather than looking like one of Africa's strongest contenders, the Lions of Teranga have struggled to produce a balanced performance over 90 minutes.

Their biggest weakness has been defensive reliability. While the attack has continued to create scoring opportunities, mistakes at the back have repeatedly undone their good work. Veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly has come under increasing scrutiny, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's substitution after an hour against Norway has sparked speculation over who will start between the posts.

Thiaw has largely trusted the same core lineup throughout the tournament, but with qualification hopes hanging by a thread, changes appear inevitable. A victory alone may not be enough—Senegal could also need a healthy winning margin if goal difference becomes decisive in the battle for one of the best third-place spots.

Iraq: Competitive Spirit Alone May Not Be Enough

Although Iraq have also lost both of their opening fixtures, their performances have shown determination rather than complete collapse. Graham Arnold's men battled hard against both Norway and France, yet ultimately fell 4-1 and 3-0 as the superior quality of their opponents made the difference.

Arnold has already demonstrated tactical flexibility during the tournament. He experimented with a front two against Norway before reinforcing the midfield against France. Another disciplined setup is expected here, particularly with leading striker Aymen Hussein unavailable through injury, leaving Ali Al-Hamadi as the likely focal point in attack.

The biggest concern for Iraq remains their defensive resilience inside their own penalty area. They are generally well-organized during the early phases of opposition attacks, but sustained pressure often exposes lapses in concentration. Across two matches, opponents have generated chances worth roughly six expected goals—and Iraq have conceded exactly six times.

Probable Line-ups

Senegal: Diaw; Jakobs, Niakhaté, Sarr, Diatta; Camara, Gueye, Guye; Mané, Jackson, Sarr.

Iraq: Basil; Ali, Tahsin, Hashim, Doski; Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ismael; Kasem, Al-Hamadi, Amin.

Match Facts

Senegal have not won more than six corners in regulation time in any of their last nine World Cup matches.

Six of Senegal's last seven World Cup games have produced no more than three yellow cards during normal time.

No more than three total goals have been scored in five of Senegal's last nine matches and in nine of Iraq's last ten outings.

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