Senegal delivered a footballing masterclass to dismantle Iraq 5-0, capitalizing on an early red card to run riot in their FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter. The Teranga Lions did not waste any time asserting their dominance, with Habib Diarra finding the back of the net just four minutes into the match. Iraq's hopes of a comeback were dealt a fatal blow in the 13th minute when defender Rebin Sulaka received a straight red card, forcing the Lions of Mesopotamia into a low-block damage-limitation exercise for the remaining 77 minutes.

Despite Iraq's stubborn defensive efforts in the first half, Senegal's unrelenting pressure finally shattered the floodgates after the interval. Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a clinical finish. Just three minutes later, Pape Gueye got his first of the night, finishing off a brilliant team move. Gueye would strike again in the 71st minute to register a superb brace, capitalizing on Senegal's overwhelming 69% possession and a relentless attacking shape that registered 27 total shots.

With Senegal in complete control, the team utilized its bench to keep the intensity high, leading to substitute Iliman Ndiaye sealing the five-goal rout in the 82nd minute. For Iraq, the match was a grueling ordeal from the moment Sulaka was dismissed, leaving their lone forward line isolated and their midfield thoroughly overworked. This emphatic victory puts Senegal in a commanding position in the tournament, while Iraq must quickly regroup and address their defensive discipline if they hope to keep their campaign alive.