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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