Senegal vs Iraq prediction: The last dance for both teams - 26.06.2026
Both teams arrive at the final round without a single point to their name. Senegal opened their campaign with a loss to France (1-3), and then suffered a dramatic defeat to Norway (2-3). The second loss was especially painful: the Africans were trailing 0-3, mounted a comeback thanks to a brace from Ismaïla Sarr, but couldn't salvage even a draw. After that match, captain Kalidou Koulibaly openly admitted his mistakes and declared that the team must defeat Iraq if they want to keep their hopes of advancing from the group alive.
- See also: Curaçao clings to the dream, Ivory Coast eyes playoffs: prediction for Curaçao vs Ivory Coast - 25.06.2026
Iraq's situation is no better. The team lost to both Norway and France, so they too remain pointless heading into the final round. For Iraq, however, just participating in the World Cup is a huge achievement—the national team is back on football’s grandest stage for the first time in forty years.
To be frank, Senegal look like the favorites here. Despite two losses, Aliou Cissé’s side have shown flashes of quality, especially in attack. Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and company consistently create chances, but their main problem remains a defense that makes costly mistakes at critical moments.
For Senegal, the equation is simple: they need to win and keep a close eye on the Norway vs France result. With the current tournament format, the battle is not just for the top two spots in the group, but also for the ranking among the best third-placed teams. So even a big win could prove crucial.
Iraq will likely rely on discipline and counterattacks. With virtually nothing left to lose, the psychological pressure is much lower. Sometimes, these circumstances allow underdogs to spring a surprise.
I expect Senegal to seize control of the ball from the opening whistle and push hard for an early goal. They desperately need a win—and ideally, a few goals to improve their goal difference. Iraq, most likely, will focus on defense and try to exploit the space behind the Senegalese backline.
Senegal should live up to their status as favorites and finally pick up their first points of the tournament. The match could turn out more open than anticipated, as neither side has anything left to lose.
Score prediction: Senegal win.
Probable lineups:
- Senegal: Diaw, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf, Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Sarr, Jackson, Mané.
- Iraq: Basil, Doski, Hashem, Tahseen, H. Ali, Al-Ammari, Bayesh, Iqbal, Ismail, Qasem, Al-Hamadi.
