Senegal v Iraq: 2026 World Cup Prediction

We had all expected more from Senegal at the 2026 World Cup. Admittedly, with France and Norway, the opposition is certainly no pushover, but after two defeats it looks as though the West Africans have been knocked out at an early stage. And that is a bitter blow for a team that, not so long ago, was the strongest in the Africa Cup of Nations. Expectations were much lower for Iraq, so it’s hardly surprising that they lost to both Norway and France. We’ll tell you more about Senegal v Iraq and treat you to the best 2026 World Cup betting tips and predictions!

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Senegal v Iraq preview

Is there still a chance for Senegal and Iraq? A convincing victory could just see them progress in the World Cup after all. Thanks to their poor goal difference and the fact that both teams are stuck on zero points, a place in the last 32 remains a distant prospect for now. Read more about both teams’ performances below.

Current Form & Team News

Senegal

With players such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Coulibaly and Ismaïla Sarr, Senegal have an excellent squad. It is no coincidence that the majority of the team play in the English Premier League. And yet the Senegalese national team manager has not managed to get the side to perform more incisively. There were blunders at the back, whilst Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy was not exactly blameless either. Furthermore, the goalkeeper picked up an injury, meaning there is a good chance we won’t see him again at the 2026 World Cup. If Senegal win by a comfortable margin, they actually still have a chance of progressing to the next round.

Iraq

For Iraq, too, there is little left to play for. Apart from pride, that is. Graham Arnold’s side had few expectations going into the tournament, simply because they had been drawn in the ‘group of death’. Great, then, when you’re taking part in a World Cup for the first time since 1986. To make matters worse, their all-time top scorer also picked up an injury. Striker Aymen Hussein found the net against Norway, but had to come off with a groin injury. For him, too, the tournament in North America is over.

Head-to-Head

There is nothing to say about the head-to-head record between Senegal and Iraq. The two teams have never played an international match against each other.

Predicted line-ups

Senegal (4-3-3):

Diaw, Diouf, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, I. Gueye, Mané, Jackson, Sarr

Iraq (4-3-3):

Basil, Doski, Hashim, Tahseen, Ali, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Farji, Jasim, Amyn, Al-Hamadi

Senegal v Iraq betting tips

Betting tip 1: Both teams to score – YES

In a match where there’s nothing at stake, it could go either way. Of course, Senegal are the favourites, but we’ve seen that they’re very vulnerable defensively. Partly for that reason, we expect both Senegal and Iraq to find the net. With six and seven goals conceded respectively, there’s certainly plenty of room for improvement at the back. Both teams to score – YES gives you odds of 2.12 at Oranje Palace.

Betting tip 2: Ismaïla Sarr to score a goal

Are there any bright spots to report in the Senegal camp? Absolutely – Ismaïla Sarr, who plays for Crystal Palace, scored twice against Norway and has been a thorn in the side of every defender all season. We reckon he’ll find the net again against a defensively vulnerable Iraq. This will earn you odds of 2.40 at Oranje Palace.

Senegal v Iraq Prediction

** Final score: Senegal 3–1 Iraq **
We expect Senegal to win this match, particularly with a view to ending the 2026 World Cup on a high note. There is also a slim chance of them progressing. Rumour has it that teams with three points still stand a chance of going through. However, they will need a comfortable victory to do so.