Senegal routs 10-man Iraq 5-0 to boost hopes of reaching World Cup knockout rounds
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Senegal's Pape Gueye (26) celebrates their third goal during the World Cup Group I football match between Senegal and Iraq in Toronto, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
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Senegal's Iliman Ndiaye (13) kicks the ball to score their fifth goal during the World Cup Group I football match between Senegal and Iraq in Toronto, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
TORONTO (AP) — Senegal racked up the goals on 10-man Iraq in a 5-0 victory Friday that boosted its hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.
Pape Gueye scored two second-half goals as the Senegalese — vying to advance as from third place in Group I — took advantage of a first-half red card on Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka for preventing Sadio Mane from going in on goal alone.
Habib Diarra scored in the fourth minute and even though Sulaka was sent off in the 13th, Senegal didn’t find the net again until Ismaila Sarr’s goal in the 56th minute.
Gueye then added his two goals and fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye netted Senegal’s fifth.
Senegal now has three points and a plus-two goal differential.
The eight best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32, with ties broken by goals scored and goal differential if necessary.
Iraq was eliminated without a point in its first World Cup appearance since 1986.
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