Senegal and Iraq will play at Toronto Stadium on June 26 in a crucial Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both teams already eliminated after losing their first two games [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Senegal lost 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway, while Iraq was beaten 3-0 by France and also fell to Norway, leaving both sides with zero points [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Only the top two teams from Group I and the best eight third-placed teams from the 12 groups qualify for the knockout round [1, 2, 4, 5]. Senegal can still advance if they win big against Iraq and rank among the best third-placed teams, but their fate is not fully in their hands [1, 2, 4]. Iraq, bottom of the group, is out of contention [1, 3, 6].

Senegal’s first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will miss the match due to injury sustained in the loss to Norway [1, 2, 4, 5]. Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said, “We're actually playing a sort of a final tomorrow with Senegal and Iraq, because... if you want to stay in the competition, we need to win this game” [2]. He also added, “I know we were supposed to be one of the top contenders, but now we need to wake up. There is no room for mistakes anymore” [5].

The Senegal team has faced internal challenges, including delayed payments and unsettled contracts for Coach Thiaw, who reportedly is owed five months’ salary and demands $100,000 monthly [7]. Augustin Senghor, a federation official, said Thiaw was urged to focus on the national assignment despite the issues [7]. Defender Ismail Jakobs emphasized the team’s determination, stating, “Everyone wants to continue playing the World Cup, and we're going to do our job tomorrow” [2].

Iraq coach Graham Arnold acknowledged his team’s elimination but sought to secure Iraq’s first-ever World Cup point. He said, “Iraq has never got a point at the World Cup, so we go for that history moment tomorrow” [3]. Arnold’s contract with Iraq expires six weeks after the tournament, and he will decide his future then [3, 6].

Senegal were African Cup of Nations champions earlier in 2026 but had the title stripped amid controversy [1, 4, 7]. Both teams enter the match with nothing to lose, with Senegal aiming to keep faint hopes alive and Iraq seeking a milestone point. The final Group I game on June 26 will decide if Senegal can advance as a best third-placed team or bow out alongside Iraq.

The match kicks off tomorrow, June 26, at Toronto Stadium, with elimination looming for both sides.