Pape Gueye Scores Twice as Senegal Keep FIFA World Cup Knockout Hopes Alive

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Senegal produced a dominant display to defeat Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.

The impressive victory saw Senegal become the first African nation to score five goals in a single FIFA World Cup match. The result also strengthened their chances of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams thanks to a healthy goal difference.

Senegal made a bright start and took the lead through Habib Diarra, who scored his first international goal since finding the net in a friendly against England last year.

Iraq’s task became even more difficult early in the match when defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a red card after a VAR review for a foul on Sadio Mane, reducing his side to 10 players.

Although Senegal controlled possession throughout the first half, they entered the break with only a one-goal advantage.

The African side raised the intensity after halftime and doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Ismaila Sarr capitalized on a defensive mistake to score his third goal of the tournament.

Substitute Pape Gueye then made an immediate impact, scoring with a superb long-range strike less than two minutes after coming onto the field.

The Villarreal midfielder added his second goal shortly afterward with another powerful effort from outside the penalty area, putting the result beyond doubt.

Senegal completed the scoring late in the match when Iliman Ndiaye found the net with an impressive finish to seal a memorable victory.

While Iraq finished the tournament without earning a point, Senegal will now await the conclusion of the remaining group-stage matches to learn whether their strong goal difference is enough to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.