FIFA World Cup 2026: Senegal Create Unique History after thumping victory over Iraq

Senegal have achieved a historic milestone by defeating Iraq 5-0 on June 26 in Toronto in their final group stage encounter on Friday (June 26).

It was a scintillating performance by the African team against the Asian minnows, as they rampaged with five goals.

With this, the Lions of Teranga became the first African nation to score five goals in a single match in the tournament's history, showcasing their attacking prowess on the global stage.

How did Senegal dismantle Iraq?

The match started brightly for Senegal. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a clinical finish. Iraq's resistance weakened further when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute following a VAR review, leaving the team to play with ten men for the remainder of the game.

Senegal capitalized on their numerical advantage after halftime. Ismaïla Sarr added the second goal in the 56th minute, before Pape Gueye struck twice in quick succession at the 59th and 71st minutes. Iliman Ndiaye rounded off the scoring with a superb strike in the 82nd minute, completing the rout.

This emphatic victory significantly boosted Senegal's goal difference in Group I. Despite earlier defeats to France and Norway, the result has kept them alive for their progression to the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

For Iraq, the heavy defeat brought a disappointing end to their group stage campaign. Senegal, meanwhile, heads into the final stretch with renewed confidence.

Which African Nations come close to Senegal's feat?

Earlier in this World Cup, Morocco became the first African team to score 4 goals in a World Cup match as they beat Haiti 4-2. And now, Senegal have taken the bar up a notch with their five star performance against Iraq.