Senegal ahead for qualification: 1-0 and a red in the half

In the final Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Senegal closed the first half 1-0 up against Iraq in the battle for third place and qualification. At BMO Field in Toronto, an early goal and a red card marked the first 45 minutes. Senegal, who need a high-scoring win to rank among the eight best third-placed teams, struggled to find a second goal despite their dominance.

Senegal started just as they wanted. In the 4th minute, off a corner taken by Lamine Camara, after Abdoulaye Seck's header the ball deflected off Habib Diarra into the net to put the hosts 1-0 up. For Senegal, who have to win to advance, this early goal was an ideal start.

The moment that changed the match came in the 13th minute. With Sadio Mané in behind the defense and one-on-one with the keeper, last man Rebin Sulaka pulled him down by his shirt. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor showed Sulaka a straight red card, and Iraq had to play the rest of the game with 10 men. From the ensuing free kick, Mané's shot was kept out by a superb save from the Iraq keeper.

Despite playing with an extra man, Senegal could not turn their advantage into a second goal. Opening a clear gap in possession (58%) and expected goals (1.08-0.12), the hosts took 10 shots but could not get past the Iraq defense again. Seck was booked in the 18th minute. Senegal, who need plenty of goals to advance, are expected to step up their pressure in the second half to translate their numerical advantage onto the scoreboard.

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