Senegal defeats Iraq 5-0 to secure a spot in the round of 32.

Senegal increased its chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 5‑0 win over a 10‑man Iraq side.

The Lions of Teranga finished third in Group I with three points, moving up to fifth place among the third‑placed teams. They still require favorable results elsewhere to secure a spot in the last 32.

Playing in Toronto, Senegal sought to rebound from losses to France and Norway. The victory pushed Scotland down to ninth in the table of third‑placed teams, leaving eight teams to advance.

Senegal struck early, scoring after just four minutes. Abdoulaye Seck headed a corner, and the ball deflected off Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra before passing the Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

Iraq’s troubles intensified nine minutes later when referee Anthony Taylor sent off defender Rebin Sulaka for pulling down Sadio Mane near the penalty area. The decision was made after a video assistant referee review, citing a denial of a goal‑scoring opportunity.

Mane tested Basil from the resulting free‑kick, but Pape Thiaw’s side, needing goals to improve their goal difference and enhance their chances of progressing, failed to register another shot on target in the first half.

Senegal capitalised when former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal lost possession at the edge of the box. Lamine Camara cut the ball back for Ismaila Sarr, who finished with a simple strike to make it 2‑0 in the 56th minute.

The lead was extended three minutes later when Pape Gueye curled a left‑foot strike into the top corner, his first contribution after coming on earlier in the match.

Gueye added a second goal with another powerful effort in the 71st minute. Fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye sealed the 5‑0 win, a result Senegal hopes will be enough to send them through to the knockout stage.