Senegal destroyed Iraq on Friday to deal yet another blow to Scotland and their hopes of reaching the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga put five past ten-man Iraq in Toronto, Canada to finish third Group I behind leaders France and second-placed Norway.
Habib Diarra opened the scoring early when he headed in from a corner in the fourth minute, but Senegal struggled to break down the opposition for the rest of the half despite Rebin Sulaka’s red card 12 minutes into the game.
The second half was a different story, though, once Ismaila Sarr doubled their lead when he poked home from close range.
The AFCON finalists, who were stripped of their title win in April, proceeded to score a trio of sensational goals. Pape Gueye smashed two in before Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye put the cherry on top with a stunning finish from the edge of the box.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye scores an absolute rocket for Senegal's FIFTH of the game 🚀 pic.twitter.com/h75Okw16J8
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2026
Scotland dealt World Cup blow as Senegal smash Iraq
The result means Senegal have leapt up to fifth in the table of best third-placed teams with a +2 goal difference; only eight of the 12 third-placed teams will advance to the next round.
The victory has knocked Scotland down to ninth in the table to leave their chances of progressing hanging by a thread.
All hope is not lost, but their -3 goal difference means they need some big favours from other teams in the competition.
What Scotland need to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup?
Scotland need at least four of the following things to happen to be one of the eight best third-placed teams:
- Iran lose to Egypt;
- Uruguay lose to Spain;
- Austria to beat Algeria by two or more goals;
- DR Congo fail to beat Uzbekistan;
- Ghana beat Croatia by three or more goals.
It’s not impossible, but it’s looking very unlikely as it stands. The wait to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament looks set to continue.
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