Senegal vs Iraq Predictions, Picks & Odds – 26/06/2026
Senegal vs Iraq – Best bets of the match
Senegal vs Iraq Preview
Senegal arrive at Toronto Stadium in desperate need of a result after losing both their opening group matches. The Lions of Teranga sit third in the group, and coach Pape Thiaw has called on his squad to play with pride and intensity. Their attack has shown flashes of quality, scoring ten goals across their last six outings, but defensive lapses have proved costly. The absence of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy through a knee injury adds further concern.
Iraq's historic return to the World Cup after a four-decade wait has not gone to plan. Rooted to the bottom of the group without a point, they face a must-win scenario to keep any faint hopes alive. Their attacking options have been severely hit, with key forwards Aymen Hussein and Mohanad Ali both ruled out through injury. Ali Al-Hamadi will shoulder the goalscoring burden, though the return of playmaker Ali Jasim offers some encouragement.
Senegal's attacking output across their recent fixtures tells a compelling story. Ten goals in six matches represents a genuine threat going forward, whereas Iraq have managed just five in the same span. The Lions of Teranga possess superior quality across the pitch, and that gap widens further with Iraq missing both Aymen Hussein and Mohanad Ali through injury, severely blunting their offensive options.
The loss of Edouard Mendy is a blow for Senegal, though Mory Diaw is a capable deputy. Kalidou Koulibaly anchors a defence that should cope against an Iraqi attack now reliant almost entirely on Ali Al-Hamadi. Iraq have lost four of their last five outings, and their return to the global stage after four decades has been bruising. Senegal's greater depth and experience at tournament level should prove decisive.
A home win at 1.46 represents the primary recommendation here. Senegal's ranking advantage, stronger recent goal record, and relative squad fitness all point towards victory. Backing under 2.5 goals at N/A also appeals; both sides have struggled to score freely, and the desperation of a must-win scenario often breeds caution. Iraq's depleted forward line makes a high-scoring affair unlikely.
Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Senegal vs Iraq
- Senegal scored 10 in six recent matches
- Iraq missing two frontline strikers through injury
- Senegal ranked 41 places higher globally
Form & Statistics: Senegal vs Iraq
Senegal
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Iraq
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Senegal vs Iraq
Senegal
Starters
- 1 Mory Diaw
- 2 Krepin Diatta
- 3 Kalidou Koulibaly
- 4 Moussa Niakhate
- 5 El Hadji Malick Diouf
- 6 Pape Gueye
- 7 Idrissa Gueye
- 8 Lamine Camara
- 9 Ismaila Sarr
- 10 Nicolas Jackson
- 11 Sadio Mane
Bench
- Ismail Jakobs
- Ibrahim Mbaye
- Pathe Ciss
- Pape Matar Sarr
- Assane Diao
- Habib Diarra
- Bamba Dieng
- Yehvann Diouf
- Abdoulaye Seck
- Mamadou Sarr
Absent
- Edouard Mendy (Left knee injury/ligament issue sustained against Norway.)
Iraq
Starters
- 1 Ahmed Basil Fadhil
- 2 Hussein Ali
- 3 Zaid Tahseen
- 4 Akam Hashem
- 5 Merchas Doski
- 6 Amir Al-Ammari
- 7 Ahmed Qasem
- 8 Zaid Ismail
- 9 Zidane Iqbal
- 10 Ibrahim Bayesh
- 11 Ali Al-Hamadi
Bench
- Youssef Amyn
- Marko Farji
- Aimar Sher
- Rebin Sulaka
- Ahmed Maknzi
- Mustafa Saadoon
- Ali Jasim
- Manaf Younus
- Jalal Hassan
- Frans Putros
Absent
- Aymen Hussein (Groin/adductor muscle injury sustained against France.)
- Mohanad Ali (Not fully recovered from a recent injury.)
Medium confidence
A classic 4-3-3 versus 4-1-4-1 contest shapes up here, with Senegal's attacking width through Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mané likely to test Iraq's compact midfield block repeatedly. The Lions of Teranga carry genuine World Cup pedigree in this fixture and will look to dominate territory from the first whistle.
Iraq's 4-1-4-1 is built to absorb pressure and counter through Zidane Iqbal's creativity in the middle, but Senegal's engine room of Idrissa Gueye and Lamine Camara gives them a significant physical and technical advantage in central areas. This shapes as a stern examination of Iraqi defensive organisation.
How to Watch Senegal vs Iraq Match?
What time is Senegal vs Iraq?
Senegal vs Iraq kicks off at 20:00 BST on 26 June 2026 at Toronto Stadium.
Where is Senegal vs Iraq being played?
This World Cup Group Stage fixture takes place at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada.
How Can I Watch Senegal vs Iraq on TV and Live Stream?
Senegal vs Iraq will be broadcast live on FIFA's official World Cup broadcasting partners in India.
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