Senegal completed a remarkable turnaround at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cruising to a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq before later seeing their place in the Round of 32 officially confirmed following a dramatic 1-1 draw between Iran and Egypt.

The Lions of Teranga entered their final Group I match knowing only a convincing victory would keep their hopes of progressing alive after suffering back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures. Pape Thiaw’s men responded in emphatic fashion, producing one of Africa’s most dominant performances of the tournament to finish third in their group with three points and a healthy +2 goal difference.

However, their fate was not entirely in their own hands.

Iran looked set to snatch second place in the group when they found the back of the net in the dying moments against Egypt. Had that goal stood, Iran would have leapfrogged Egypt into second place, automatically qualifying for the Round of 32. That outcome would have left Egypt dropping into the third-placed rankings with four points, pushing Senegal outside the qualification places.

Instead, following a review, Iran’s late goal was ruled out, preserving the 1-1 scoreline.

The result confirmed Egypt as Group H runners-up, while Iran remained third with three points, joining the race for the best third-placed teams. Crucially for Senegal, Iran’s position did not alter the standings enough to deny the West Africans a place in the knockout rounds.

The final whistle in the Egypt-Iran clash sparked celebrations in the Senegal camp as their place among the best third-placed teams was officially confirmed.

Earlier, Senegal had done everything required on the pitch.

The Lions wasted little time asserting themselves at BMO Field in Toronto, taking the lead after just four minutes when Habib Diarra powered home a superb header to cap an energetic opening.

The contest tilted even further in Senegal’s favour in the 12th minute after Iraq were reduced to ten men. Defender Merchas Doski received a straight red card for bringing down Sadio Mané as the last defender, leaving the Asian side with a mountain to climb.

Although Senegal dominated possession throughout the first half, they entered the break holding only a slender 1-0 advantage as Iraq defended courageously despite their numerical disadvantage.

The second half, however, became a Senegalese exhibition.

Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute after capitalising on an Iraqi defensive mistake before substitute Pape Gueye struck twice in quick succession, first with a powerful long-range effort and later completing his brace to make it 4-0.

Cheikh Ndiaye completed the rout in the 82nd minute with a stunning strike from distance as Senegal continued to exploit Iraq’s tiring defence and significantly improve their goal difference.

The comprehensive victory transformed Senegal’s position in the third-place standings, giving them a realistic chance of qualification before the later drama involving Egypt and Iran ultimately sealed their progress.

After a difficult start to the tournament that saw them concede six goals in successive defeats, the reigning AFCON 2025 champions responded in the best possible fashion, producing a statement performance when elimination appeared a real possibility.

Now safely through to the Round of 32, Senegal will hope their commanding display against Iraq marks the beginning of another memorable FIFA World Cup journey, with renewed confidence and momentum heading into the knockout phase.