Top 3 Bets Summary
- Full-Time Result: Senegal to Win
- Team Goals: Senegal to Score in Both Halves
- Player Prop: Ismaila Sarr to Score Anytime
Senegal vs Iraq Match Details
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Stadium: BMO Field
- Date: 26/06/2026
- Kick-off Time: 21:00 SAST
Top 3 Betting Picks for Senegal vs Iraq
| picks | Winner prediction | Type of bet | odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick 1 | Senegal | Full-Time Result | 1.22 |
| Pick 2 | N/A | Team Goals | 1.80 |
| Pick 3 | N/A | Player Prop | 2.50 |
Pick 1: Full-Time Result: Senegal to Win
The primary pick focuses on Senegal securing a victory. Despite losses to France and Norway, their attacking output has been significant, suggesting they have the firepower to overcome Iraq and keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
- Attacking Threat: Senegal generated 2.24 expected goals (xG) across their first two matches, scoring against both France and Norway, which demonstrates their quality in the final third.
- Defensive Frailties: Iraq have conceded 5.19 expected goals against (xGA), ranking them as one of the weakest defensive units in the tournament. This trend is unlikely to reverse against a potent Senegal attack.
- High Stakes: With a potential spot in the Round of 32 on the line for the best third-placed teams, Senegal’s motivation will be at its peak to claim a decisive win.
Pick 2: Team Goals: Senegal to Score in Both Halves
A valuable play can be found in backing the Lions of Teranga to find the net in both halves. Given the urgency of the match, an aggressive, front-foot approach from the opening whistle is expected.
- Proven Goalscorers: Senegal have already scored three goals in the tournament, showcasing their ability to break down strong defences. Their attacking quality, featuring players like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, should overwhelm Iraq.
- Iraq’s Porous Defence: Iraq have conceded in both halves in their previous matches. Their defensive structure has consistently failed to hold up for a full 90 minutes.
- Must-Win Scenario: Senegal will likely push for a large scoreline to improve their goal difference, increasing the probability of goals throughout the match.
Pick 3: Player Prop: Ismaila Sarr to Score Anytime
Ismaila Sarr presents a strong case in the goalscorer market. After scoring against Norway, the dynamic forward appears to be in sharp form and will be central to Senegal’s attack.
- High Volume Shooter: Against Norway, Sarr recorded six shots and finished the match with an impressive xG of 1.21, overperforming that metric by scoring twice.
- Favourable Matchup: Iraq have conceded seven goals already and consistently allow opponents high-quality scoring chances. Sarr’s pace and clinical finishing should exploit their defensive disorganisation.
- Key Player: As one of Senegal’s main attacking threats, he is well-positioned to capitalise on the numerous opportunities his team is expected to create.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Senegal and Iraq, making this historic encounter at the 2026 tournament a clean slate. There is no head-to-head data to analyse, placing all the emphasis on current tournament form.
Senegal enter this match with zero points but with encouraging performances. Against Norway, they held 58.3% possession and created 1.72 xG. In contrast, Iraq have struggled significantly, suffering heavy defeats to France (3-0) and Norway (4-1). Their attack has been toothless, generating less than 1.0 xG in each game, while their defence has been consistently breached.

Sat, 28 Mar ![]() 2 ![]() 0 |
Tue, 31 Mar ![]() 3 ![]() 1 |
Sun, 31 May ![]() 3 ![]() 2 |
Tue, 9 Jun ![]() 0 ![]() 0 |
Tue, 16 Jun ![]() (1.85 xG) 3 ![]() (0.65 xG) 1 | |
Tue, 23 Jun ![]() (2.06 xG) 3 ![]() (1.88 xG) 2 | |
Fri, 26 Jun ![]() ![]() | 19:00 |

Wed, 1 Apr ![]() 2 ![]() 1 |
Fri, 29 May ![]() 1 ![]() 0 |
Thu, 4 Jun ![]() 1 ![]() 1 |
Wed, 10 Jun ![]() 0 ![]() 2 |
Tue, 16 Jun ![]() (1.2 xG) 1 ![]() (2.33 xG) 4 | |
Mon, 22 Jun ![]() (2.29 xG) 3 ![]() (0.53 xG) 0 | |
Fri, 26 Jun ![]() ![]() | 19:00 |
Match Preview: Senegal vs Iraq
The final match in Group I is a straight shootout for survival for Senegal, who must secure a convincing victory over Iraq to have any chance of progressing to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. After spirited but ultimately fruitless encounters against European powerhouses France and Norway, the Lions of Teranga face a side that has been defensively fragile throughout the tournament.
For Iraq, this match is about restoring pride after conceding seven goals in two games. While mathematically still in with a slim chance, their -6 goal difference presents a monumental challenge. The onus is on Senegal to turn their positive attacking metrics into a decisive result, as anything less than a dominant win will see them exit the competition.
- Must-Win for Senegal: Only three points will keep their qualification hopes alive.
- Goal Difference Matters: Senegal will likely push for a high-scoring victory.
- Iraq’s Defensive Woes: They have one of the worst defensive records in the tournament.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Senegal have been dealt a significant blow with first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy ruled out with a knee injury. Mory Diaw is expected to deputise between the sticks in an otherwise full-strength lineup, as Pape Thiaw’s side knows only a comprehensive victory will do.
Iraq also face selection issues. Key forward Aymen Hussein is sidelined with a groin injury sustained against France. Mohanad Ali Kadhim Al Shammari remains a doubt, potentially limiting their already struggling attack. They are expected to field a defensive formation to try to contain the Senegalese forwards.
Senegal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Diaw; Diouf, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye; Mané, Camara, Sarr; Jackson
Iraq Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1): Basil; Doski, Hashem, Tahseen, Ali; Al-Ammari; Bayesh, Iqbal, Ismael, Qasem; Al-Hamadi




| 1Yehvann Diouf |
| 2Mamadou Sarr |
| 4Abdoulaye Seck |
| 6Pathe Ciss |
| 7Assane Diao |
| 9Bamba Dieng |
| 12Cherif Ndiaye |
| 13Iliman Ndiaye |
| 14Ismail Jakobs |
| 16Edouard Mendy |
| 17Pape Sarr |
| 20Ibrahim Mbaye |
| 21Habib Diarra |
| 22Bara Sapoko Ndiaye |
| 24Antoine Mendy |
| 1Fahad Talib Raheem |
| 2Rebin Sulaka |
| 6Manaf Younis |
| 7Youssef Amyn |
| 10Mohanad Ali |
| 12Jalal Hassan Hachim |
| 13Ali Yousif |
| 15Ahmed Hasan Maknzi |
| 17Ali Jasim |
| 18Aymen Hussein |
| 19Kevin Yakob |
| 20Aimar Sher |
| 21Marko Farji |
| 25Mustafa Saadoon |
| 26Frans Dhia Putros |
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