Senegal and Iraq meet in their final Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both sides have lost their opening two games and remain pointless heading into this decisive encounter.
Senegal currently sit third in the group thanks to a superior goal difference (-3) compared to Iraq (-6). With only one match remaining, both teams have a slim chance of challenging for one of the best third-placed spots. To keep those hopes alive, Senegal must not only win but do so by a convincing margin, ideally by at least three goals.
Full Match Card Betting Tip
Interestingly, Senegal have not received a single card in their first two World Cup matches. Iraq, meanwhile, collected just one card in each of their defeats against France and Norway.
However, Iraq have received at least one card in each of their last four matches across all competitions. More importantly, the context of this fixture suggests a far more intense contest than the statistics alone might indicate.
Although Iraq are on the brink of elimination, they will be eager to leave the tournament on a positive note. Senegal share the same objective and are expected to push aggressively for a victory. With both teams likely to adopt a high-intensity approach, the match could feature frequent fouls, physical challenges, and a higher probability of cards.
Prediction: Iraq to receive more cards & Over on total cards (Full Match).
First-Half Card Betting Tip
The match will be officiated by Anthony Taylor, one of England’s most experienced referees.
Taylor’s first assignment at the 2026 World Cup was the match between Uzbekistan and Colombia, where two yellow cards were shown, both during the first half.
An additional trend worth noting is that eight of Taylor’s last nine matches have featured at least one card before half-time. Combined with the likely competitive nature of this fixture, an early booking appears highly probable.
Prediction: Iraq to receive more cards & Over on first-half cards.
Team News
Senegal
- First-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is ruled out through injury.
- Defender Kalidou Koulibaly could lose his starting place following a disappointing performance against Norway.
Iraq
- Striker Aymen Hussein remains a fitness concern after suffering an injury and being forced off in the 30th minute against France.
Probable Line-ups
Senegal
Diaw; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane.
Iraq
Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Ismail, Al-Ammari, Iqbal; Qasem, Al-Hamadi, Bayesh.
Senegal vs Iraq Card Betting Picks
Full Match
- Iraq Most Cards
- Over Total Cards
First Half
- Iraq Most Cards
- Over First-Half Cards
Form & Head-to-Head Statistics
- Senegal: Lost both opening World Cup group matches.
- Iraq: Lost both opening World Cup group matches.
- Both teams require a victory to maintain any mathematical chance of progressing.
- The high-pressure nature of this final group-stage fixture could lead to a physical encounter and an increased card count.