Senegal becomes seventh African team to reach 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage
Senegal becomes seventh African team to reach 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage
Senegal became the seventh African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq, coupled with Egypt’s 1-1 draw against Iran.
The Lions of Teranga delivered a dominant performance at Toronto Stadium, securing the three points they desperately needed while significantly boosting their goal difference to seal a place in the knockout stage.
The 2025 AFCON finalists made the perfect start when Habib Diarra headed home Abdoulaye Seck’s corner in the fourth minute. Iraq’s hopes suffered another major setback just eight minutes later when defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a straight red card for bringing down Sadio Mane, who was through on goal.
Despite playing with a numerical advantage, Senegal had to wait until the 56th minute to double their lead, with Ismaila Sarr finishing from close range after sustained pressure.
Substitute Pape Gueye then stole the headlines, curling a spectacular effort into the top corner just three minutes later before adding his second with a powerful strike in the 71st minute.
Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout in the 82nd minute with a stunning long-range effort to make it 5-0, sealing a historic victory.
The result marked the first time an African nation had scored five goals in a FIFA World Cup match. Senegal finished third in Group I on three points behind France, who topped the group with nine points after defeating Norway 4-1, while Norway finished second with six points.
Egypt result seals qualification
Senegal’s place in the Round of 32 was confirmed after Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran at Seattle Stadium.
Mahmoud Saber gave the Pharaohs the lead after five minutes before Ramin Rezaeian equalised in the 14th minute. Iran later missed a penalty and also had a stoppage-time goal ruled out, results that ultimately worked in Senegal’s favour.
Belgium finished level on five points with Egypt in Group G but claimed top spot on goal difference after cruising to a 5-1 victory over New Zealand.
African representation grows
Egypt and Ghana had already secured qualification before kickoff thanks to results elsewhere, while Cabo Verde continued their remarkable debut World Cup campaign by holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw.
The draw earned Cabo Verde a third point, enough to finish second in Group H and progress unbeaten despite facing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Spain won the group with seven points following a 1-0 victory over Uruguay.
Senegal now joins Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana and Cabo Verde in the knockout stages, taking the number of qualified African teams to seven.
Knockout fixtures
South Africa will face co-hosts Canada, Morocco will meet the Netherlands, while Ivory Coast take on Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Elsewhere, Egypt will play Australia, while Cabo Verde face the daunting task of taking on defending champions Argentina led by Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, DR Congo and Algeria remain in contention to reach the Round of 32 ahead of their final group matches against Uzbekistan and Austria respectively, while Tunisia have already been eliminated from the tournament.
