With their backs firmly against the wall after defeats to France (1-3) and Norway (2-3), Senegal needed a statement. They delivered one on Friday 26 June at BMO Field in Toronto, dismantling Iraq 5-0 — the largest margin of victory in their World Cup history. Coach Pape Thiaw made bold calls, most notably dropping captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and his players delivered the response he needed.
The tone was set as early as the 4th minute, when Habib Diarra turned home a corner assisted by Abdoulaye Seck. Iraq were reduced to ten men when Rebin Sulaka was sent off for a reckless foul on Sadio Mané (13'). The second half is where Senegal truly came alive: Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead on 56 minutes after a pass from Lamine Camara, before substitute Pape Gueye produced two moments of quality — a crisp strike from the edge of the box (59') and a composed finish in the area (71'). Iliman Ndiaye wrapped up the rout with a powerful effort on 82'.
Third in Group I with 3 points and a goal difference now at +2, the Lions must wait to learn whether they rank among the eight best third-placed teams. France topped the group after a 4-1 win over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé netting a hat-trick. Senegal are still alive — but the lingering question remains whether Thiaw's boldness, so effective here, came one match too late.
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