Senegal
Senegal entered the tournament with genuine ambitions of reaching the knockout rounds. Instead, they arrive at the final group game with zero points after defeats to France and Norway. Off-field distractions have not helped. Contract negotiations involving head coach Pape Thiaw dragged on throughout the build-up to the tournament and concerns over camp organisation created unwanted noise around the squad.
Those issues now need to be forgotten. Senegal still have a route through, but only if they deliver when the pressure is highest.
Their performances have not been as poor as the table suggests. Against France they created opportunities but lacked efficiency in front of goal. Against Norway they scored twice yet defensive mistakes proved costly once again. Six goals conceded across two matches tells its own story, and improving that defensive record is essential if they are to survive.
Injuries & Team News
Thiaw must make a major call on Koulibaly after the centre-back’s mistakes against Norway, with Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr and Abdoulaye Seck options to replace the captain.
In truth, the former Napoli defender is likely to start such a pivotal fixture, as is Sadio Mane, who set up one of Ismaila Sarr‘s goals last time out but has yet to set the tournament alight in the opening two matchdays.
Sarr responded to his failure to score against France with a strong display in the 3-2 defeat to Norway, while Nicolas Jackson is expected to complete the front three after registering an assist against the Vikings.
Edouard Mendy is, however, confirmed to miss out after suffering a knee injury during a mixed outing against Haaland and company on Monday.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-3 vs Norway |
W W L D L L
|
Predicted Line-Up
Senegal possible starting lineup:
Diaw; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I Gueye, P Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane
Iraq
Iraq arrive in a similar position but with even less room for error. Graham Arnold’s side have shown moments of promise without producing the results required. Defeats to Norway and France leave them bottom of the group and needing both a victory and help from elsewhere.
Their task is complicated further by the absence of captain Aymen Hussein, who was forced off injured against France and is expected to miss the match. His leadership, physical presence and experience will be difficult to replace.
Arnold remains publicly optimistic. The mathematics remain possible and Iraq will take encouragement from the fact they have created chances in both matches despite facing the group’s strongest teams.
Injuries & Team News
As for Iraq, Aymen Hussein’s involvement for Usood al-Rafidayn is in doubt after the forward went off before the half-hour mark with an injury.
Hussein’s possible absence would be a major blow for the side currently bottom of Group I, given he netted eight times in qualifying and has scored Iraq’s only goal at the 2026 finals.
It will be interesting to see if Arnold hands Mohanad Ali his first World Cup start, with the striker’s 27 international goals bettered only by Hussein’s 34 in this squad, while Ali Al-Hamadi is backed to lead the line.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-3 vs France | W W D L L L |
Predicted Line-Up
Iraq possible starting lineup:
Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Ismail, Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Qasem, Al-Hamadi, Bayesh
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Senegal Win | 1/4 – (1.25) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 5/1 – (6.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Iraq Win | 11/1 – (12.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Senegal 3-1 Iraq
The Group of Death has produced some exciting games and i believe we will get another here, both sides still have hopes of qualifying for the knock out rounds and if could be a winner takes all. I Think Senegal have to much attacking prowess for Iraq.