A Senegal fan holds up a scarf inside the stadium as his nation plays Iraq at the World Cup, on June 26, 2026
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
Mory Diaw starts in place of injured Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy on Friday (June 26, 2026) against an Iraq side that added Ali Alhamadi and Ahmed Qasem to their attack with both teams needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold told reporters that his team will try to make history against Senegal. Iraq have already been eliminated but the Australian is hoping they can at least earn the country’s first-ever point at a World Cup.
Meanwhile, Senegal will approach their game against Iraq on Friday like a final to get the win, coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said, as the West African side try to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Iraq are bottom of Group I, which is one of the toughest at the finals. Even a win against Iraq may not be enough for Senegal to seal a spot in the knockouts.
(With inputs from agencies)
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