Senegal (0-2-0) and Iraq (0-2-0) face off in a crucial final group stage match on Friday, June 26, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM ET at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
With a potential spot in the knockout round on the line, both nations will be desperate for a victory to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Let’s get into my Senegal vs Iraq prediction.
Senegal vs Iraq Prediction
- Pick: Senegal to Score in Both Halves (-125 at bet365)
My Senegal vs Iraq best bet is for Senegal to score a goal in both halves of the match. The African side has demonstrated consistent offensive pressure and faces a defensively vulnerable opponent.
Senegal vs Iraq Odds
| Iraq Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 +120 | 3.5 130o / -165u | +1100 |
| Senegal Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -155 | 3.5 130o / -165u | -450 |
Senegal vs Iraq World Cup Preview
This match marks the first-ever meeting between Senegal and Iraq. While both teams come into this fixture with zero points, their paths to this point tell different stories.
Senegal has been competitive in difficult matchups against France and Norway, showing they can create scoring chances against elite competition. Their 2.24 expected goals (xG) generated across those two games speak to their offensive capability.
In stark contrast, Iraq has been thoroughly outmatched, losing its first two games by a combined score of 7-1. Their underlying numbers are equally poor, as they have struggled to create chances while being consistently exposed at the back. Historically, Iraq has now lost all five of its matches at the finals.
Given that Senegal likely needs to win by a significant margin to improve their goal difference for a potential third-place qualification spot, expect them to push the pace for the full 90 minutes. This situational urgency, combined with the clear talent disparity, points toward a dominant performance from the Lions of Teranga.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Senegal vs Iraq picks.
Senegal vs Iraq Picks, Parlay
- Senegal to Score in Both Halves (-125 at bet365)
- Ismaila Sarr to Score (+150 at bet365)
Senegal's attack has been potent despite two opening losses, finding the net against both France and a strong Norway team. Their need to secure a win to have any chance of advancing means they will likely adopt an aggressive strategy from the opening whistle. This approach is well-suited to exploit Iraq's primary weakness: its defense.
Iraq enters this game having conceded 5.19 expected goals against (xGA), the third-worst defensive record in the competition so far. They have already allowed seven goals in two matches, and this trend of defensive frailty is expected to continue against a talented Senegalese front line.
This creates a prime opportunity for forward Ismaila Sarr to get on the scoresheet. Sarr was a constant threat against Norway, scoring two goals and finishing the match with an impressive 1.21 xG from six total shots. Facing a less organized and more porous defense, he should find plenty of space and opportunities to add to his goal tally.
Senegal vs Iraq Projected Lineups
Senegal Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Diaw
Defenders: Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf
Midfielders: Camara, I Gueye, P Gueye
Forwards: Sarr, Jackson, Mane
Iraq Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Basil
Defenders: Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski
Midfielders: Ismail, Al-Ammari, Iqbal
Forward: Qasem, Al-Hamadi, Bayesh
