Senegal - Iraq / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the Senegal vs. Iraq match in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, which can also be watched live on JOJ play, kicks off at 9:00 PM CET.

The final round of Group I promises a ruthless battle for survival. Both Senegal and Iraq arrived at the tournament with knockout stage ambitions, but after two frustrating defeats against giants France and Norway, both teams are on the brink of elimination. If the African "Lions of Teranga" hope to maintain even a theoretical chance of advancing to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, they not only need a victory but ideally a significant improvement to their unfavorable goal difference.

The current form of the African representative is far from ideal. The team is on a difficult losing streak, managing to keep a clean sheet only once in their last four matches. In their opening two games, coach Pape Thiaw's squad primarily suffered due to unnecessary individual errors in defense.

Furthermore, the coaching staff must contend with significant roster changes. First-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy sustained a knee injury in the goal-filled clash with Norway and is definitively out. However, experienced captain Kalidou Koulibaly returns to the lineup, and his performance will be under immense scrutiny, as his defensive lapses have cost Senegal crucial points in the past. The proven attacking trio of Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr, who showed improving form in their last outing, will once again pose an offensive threat.

The Asian representative is in no better position heading into the final whistle. The "Lions of Mesopotamia" have generated minimal dangerous situations going forward throughout the tournament, scoring only a single goal. Their situation is further complicated by health issues. Key striker Aymen Hussein was forced off in the last match, and his participation is highly questionable. If this elite goalscorer ultimately misses this crucial encounter, the entire offensive burden will fall on the shoulders of the prepared Mohanad Ali.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between these two nations at a major international tournament. Although Senegal has consistently struggled with defensive stability and the notable absence of their primary goalkeeper, the immense qualitative advantage of their squad and the absolute necessity to win should decisively tip the scales in favor of the African team.

From a tactical perspective, an open, high-intensity match is expected, creating an ideal scenario for betting on goals from both sides. However, the most realistic outcome is an outright victory for Senegal, which would secure them at least a theoretical mathematical chance of a miraculous progression among the eight best third-placed teams.