Senegal vs Iraq Prediction, Tips & Match Preview

Senegal vs Iraq Match Preview

Senegal and Iraq meet in the final round of Group I fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with both sides still searching for their first points of the tournament. This second-round campaign has been challenging for the two nations, although Senegal have shown far greater attacking threat despite suffering defeats in their opening matches.

Senegal opened their World Cup with a 3-1 defeat against France before losing a dramatic 3-2 contest against Norway. Iraq also fell short in their first two matches, losing 2-0 to Norway before suffering a 3-0 defeat against France. With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, both teams are expected to approach this encounter positively as they look to finish their campaign on a high note.

Senegal’s Open Style Continues Producing High-Scoring Contests

Despite back-to-back defeats, Senegal have remained dangerous going forward throughout the tournament. They scored against both France and Norway, with the 3-1 and 3-2 defeats highlighting their willingness to attack even against elite opposition. Those performances followed a 3-1 victory over Gambia and a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, showing that goals have frequently been a feature of their recent matches.

Sadio Mane remains the emotional leader of the squad in what is expected to be his final World Cup, while players such as Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye provide pace and directness in transition. However, Senegal’s defensive structure has not been as reliable as expected, conceding six goals across their two World Cup fixtures. That vulnerability has contributed to four of their last five matches seeing both teams score.

Iraq Struggling Defensively But Still Carrying Attacking Threat

Iraq’s return to the World Cup after four decades away has been difficult, particularly against the quality of opposition in Group I. Graham Arnold’s side lost 2-0 to Norway before being beaten 3-0 by France, leaving them with one goal scored and seven conceded across their opening two tournament matches.

Even so, Iraq have shown they can create opportunities against strong opponents. Before the World Cup they earned a 1-1 draw against Spain and defeated Andorra 1-0, while their 4-1 defeat to Norway demonstrated they are capable of finding the net against higher-level opposition. With players such as Aymen Hussein, Zidane Iqbal and Ali Jasim offering attacking outlets, Iraq may fancy their chances of exploiting the defensive issues Senegal have displayed throughout this group stage.

Senegal vs Iraq Prediction

The best bet for this match is Senegal to win and both teams to score at 3.10 odds. Senegal have been competitive in attack despite defeats to France and Norway, scoring in both World Cup matches while conceding six goals in total. Four of their last five matches have seen both teams find the net, and Iraq showed against Norway that they can contribute offensively even when facing stronger opposition. Senegal’s superior attacking quality should prove decisive, but a clean sheet looks far from guaranteed.

Backing over 3.5 goals at 2.75 odds also appeals for this Group I encounter. Senegal’s opening two World Cup matches ended 3-1 and 3-2, meaning both comfortably cleared this line. Four of their last five games have produced at least four goals, while Iraq have already conceded seven times in two tournament fixtures. With neither side having anything to lose at this stage, an open contest with plenty of chances could develop.

Our correct score prediction is Senegal 3-1 at 12.00 odds. Senegal have consistently created opportunities against stronger opposition than Iraq, and their attacking players should enjoy more space in this matchup. Iraq have enough attacking quality to get on the scoresheet, but their defensive record in this tournament suggests they may struggle to contain Senegal across ninety minutes.

Peter Green- June 25, 2026

Senegal vs Iraq Betting Tips

Senegal to win & Both teams to score

OK

3.10 Odds

Over 3.5 goals

OK

2.75 Odds

Correct score: Senegal 3-1

OK

12.00 Odds