Senegal vs Iraq Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds: World Cup 2026 Preview
Senegal vs Iraq meet at BMO Field on June 26 with both sides already eliminated. Find out why Senegal are the pick in this must-win Group I clash.
Ginevra Cattaneo
Updated on 23 June 2026
| Match | Date | Kickoff | Venue | Stage | TV (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal vs Iraq | June 26, 2026 | 3:00 PM ET | BMO Field, Toronto | Group I, Matchday 16 | Fox Sports |
| Team | Played | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 6 |
| Norway | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 6 |
| Senegal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
| Iraq | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Why This Game Matters
Both Senegal and Iraq arrive at BMO Field on June 26 with identical records: two losses, zero points, and elimination from Group I already confirmed. The knockout stage is out of reach for both sides, but the stakes have not entirely disappeared. Senegal carry the pride of a footballing nation that reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and knows what progress at a World Cup looks like. Iraq are making only their second-ever World Cup appearance, having returned to this stage for the first time since 1986, and they have yet to register a single World Cup finals victory across both appearances. That record is still waiting to be written.
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Our Pick
Senegal to win is the headline call, available at -375 with BetOnline and Lucky Rebel, backed by a squad loaded with European top-flight talent that is simply too deep for an Iraq side that has shipped seven goals in two games. The Senegal vs Iraq betting odds make this a short-price favourite, but the underlying quality gap justifies confidence, particularly with Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson both capable of punishing a defence that has been repeatedly exposed.
Senegal vs Iraq: Preview, Picks & Betting Odds
The Senegal vs Iraq prediction begins with a straightforward structural reality: Senegal are a significantly stronger footballing nation at this level, and nothing in Iraq’s tournament performance so far suggests they can close that gap. Senegal lost 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway, both competitive and high-quality opponents. Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway and 3-0 to France. The goals-against column tells you everything about the contrast in defensive resilience.
Under manager J. Koto, Senegal possess one of the most talented squads in African football, with players spread across Bayern Munich, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Monaco, and Everton. This is not a squad short on quality. The issue has been defensive fragility against elite opposition, a problem Iraq will be far less equipped to expose than France or Norway were.
Iraq, managed by G. Arnold, arrived at this World Cup after a 40-year absence and deserve credit for qualifying at all. Their campaign through AFC qualifying was a grind: 4 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in nine matches. But the step up to World Cup football has been brutal. They have conceded seven goals in two games and scored just once, courtesy of Aymen Hussein. Against a Senegalese side with something to prove and a point of pride to fight for, this looks an uncomfortable assignment.
Recent Form & Trends
Senegal
- Norway (A): Lost 3-2 (FIFA World Cup)
- France (A): Lost 1-3 (FIFA World Cup)
- Saudi Arabia (N): Drew 0-0 (Friendly)
- United States (A): Lost 2-3 (Friendly)
- Gambia (H): Won 3-1 (Friendly)
Senegal have shown they can score, netting three goals across their two World Cup group games and finding the net in both defeats. The problem has been at the other end. Their qualifying campaign told a different story entirely: five wins from six, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two, suggesting the current defensive vulnerability is more a product of the opponent quality in Group I than a permanent condition. Against an Iraq side that has managed one goal in two World Cup games, Senegal’s attack should find space.
Iraq
- France (A): Lost 0-3 (FIFA World Cup)
- Norway (H): Lost 1-4 (FIFA World Cup)
- Venezuela (N): Lost 0-2 (Friendly)
- Spain (A): Drew 1-1 (Friendly)
- Andorra (N): Won 1-0 (Friendly)
Iraq’s last-five record reflects the difficulty of their re-introduction to World Cup football. Their sole competitive win was a 1-0 pre-tournament friendly against Andorra. The 1-1 draw with Spain in June is a noteworthy result, but their performances once the tournament began have been one-sided. They have struggled to create and struggled to keep the ball, and against a Senegalese midfield that includes Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, and Idrissa Gueye, controlling possession will not get any easier.
Injuries, Suspensions & Roster News
Senegal’s squad for this World Cup was named with 26 players and features significant depth across every line. Kalidou Koulibaly, 35, remains a commanding defensive presence with 102 caps, while Edouard Mendy provides experienced goalkeeping cover behind the starters. The attacking options are deep: Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Ismaila Sarr all bring European top-flight experience. Ismaila Sarr leads the team’s World Cup scoring chart in 2026 with two goals from the opening two matches.
Iraq’s squad blends players from domestic Iraqi football with a number of European-based talents. Aymen Hussein, with 94 caps and 33 international goals, is their most experienced attacker and scored their only World Cup goal so far. Ali Al-Hamadi of Luton Town and Zidane Iqbal of Utrecht represent the European contingent with genuine top-level exposure. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan carries 101 caps and is the heartbeat of their backline organisation.
No specific injury or suspension information is confirmed for either squad ahead of this fixture. With both sides already eliminated, squad rotation is possible, particularly for Senegal who may look to give minutes to players further down their depth chart. That said, the pride of ending the tournament with a win, especially for Mane on potentially his final World Cup stage, may keep Koto’s strongest options on the pitch.
Expected Lineups
Senegal (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy; El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kalidou Koulibaly (c), Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr; Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane.
Iraq (4-2-3-1): Jalal Hassan; Rebin Sulaka, Manaf Younis, Merchas Doski, Frans Putros; Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari; Ali Jasim, Zidane Iqbal, Mohanad Ali; Aymen Hussein (c).
Predicted lineups, squads to be confirmed.
Key Matchup to Watch
The duel that shapes this game is Senegal’s front three against Iraq’s central defensive pairing. Ismaila Sarr arrives at this fixture with two World Cup goals already banked, and the width she and Mane can generate between them forces Iraq’s fullbacks into constant decisions. Rebin Sulaka, 34, and Merchas Doski, 26, have 86 caps combined but have not faced a forward line of this speed or movement in their careers. Iraq’s qualifying defence conceded nine goals in nine games against AFC opposition, a group that includes none of the attacking talent Senegal can throw at them. If Aymen Hussein cannot hold the ball up and relieve pressure when Iraq are out of possession, this match risks becoming very one-sided, very quickly.
Best Bets & Expert Picks
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Pick 1: Senegal to Win @ -375 (BetOnline / Lucky Rebel)
The Senegal vs Iraq winner market offers little ambiguity. Senegal have scored three goals against France and Norway, two of the strongest sides in Group I. Iraq have managed one against the same opposition. The talent disparity across every line of the pitch points to a Senegal victory, and while -375 is not an exciting price, it reflects a genuine and significant gap in quality between these two squads.
Pick 2: Over 3 Goals @ +101 (BetOnline / Lucky Rebel)
The Senegal vs Iraq score prediction leans toward goals. Senegal’s last two World Cup matches produced five goals combined, and Iraq conceded four against Norway alone. Senegal’s attack has the personnel to score multiple times against a defence that has been consistently breached at this tournament. Over 3 goals at +101 offers genuine value given both sides’ defensive numbers at this World Cup.
Pick 3: Aymen Hussein Anytime Scorer
Hussein is Iraq’s most experienced attacker with 94 caps and has already scored in this tournament. He leads Iraq’s recent scoring chart and is the focal point of everything G. Arnold’s side tries to create going forward. He will get his moments in this game, and at enhanced prices available across the market, he represents the best individual scoring avenue for Iraq backers.
Pick 4: Ismaila Sarr Anytime Scorer
Sarr leads Senegal’s 2026 World Cup scoring chart with two goals and has been their most direct and dangerous attacker in both group games. Her positioning and pace stretch defences, and Iraq’s backline has shown it can be caught in behind. This is the Senegal vs Iraq best bet for those looking for an individual player angle at a workable price.
Betting Odds & Lines
Here is a breakdown of the current Senegal vs Iraq betting odds across the three leading sportsbooks for this fixture.
| Outcome | BetOnline | Lucky Rebel | BetNow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal Win | -375 | -375 | -400 |
| Draw | +545 | +545 | +550 |
| Iraq Win | +1000 | +1000 | +1100 |
| Total (O/U 3) | BetOnline | Lucky Rebel | BetNow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 3 | +101 | +101 | +101 |
| Under 3 | -117 | -117 | -121 |
How to Watch & Where to Bet
How to Watch
Senegal vs Iraq kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on June 26, 2026, from BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. US viewers can catch the match live on Fox Sports and Telemundo. Canadian viewers can find the game on CTV, TSN, and RDS. UK viewers can watch on ITV and BBC, while Australian fans can tune in on SBS or Optus Sport.
How to Bet
New to betting on World Cup 2026? Here is a straightforward eight-step guide to placing your first wager on Senegal vs Iraq picks:
- Choose a licensed sportsbook operating in your state, such as BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, or BetNow.
- Create your account using a valid email address and confirm your identity as required.
- Navigate to the deposit section and choose your preferred payment method.
- Fund your account with the amount you want to wager.
- Go to the soccer or World Cup 2026 section of the sportsbook.
- Find the Senegal vs Iraq match listing under Group I fixtures for June 26.
- Select your chosen market, for example Match Winner, Over/Under Goals, or Anytime Scorer.
- Enter your stake, review the potential payout, and confirm your bet.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible Gambling: Betting should always be an enjoyable activity, not a financial strategy. Set a budget before you wager and never chase losses. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), visit ncpgambling.org, or reach out to Gamblers Anonymous for peer support. You must be 21 or older to bet in most US states. Please gamble responsibly.
Ginevra Cattaneo
Ginevra Cattaneo grew up in Bologna with a football shirt on her back and a match playing somewhere in the background at all times. From backyard arguments about whether Maldini or Baresi was the greatest ever to staying up late watching Champions League nights, the game has always been at the centre of her life. She brings that same passion and familiarity to everything she writes, covering Serie A, Italian football culture, and the rapidly growing world of women's football in Italy.
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