Iraq players applaud fans after their 0-5 loss to Senegal in the final Group I match of the 2026 World Cup at Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada on 26/6/2026. *Reuters*

After losses to Norway (1-4) and France (0-3), Iraq needed a victory against Senegal in their final match at BMO Field, Toronto, to keep their hopes alive for a wildcard spot. The 2026 World Cup format includes 48 teams, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16.

However, Iraq could not pull off an upset. They conceded a goal in the 4th minute from a Habib Diarra header and faced further difficulty when Rebin Sulaka received a direct red card in the 13th minute. Playing with one man down from early on, the West Asian team could not recover, conceding four more goals in the second half. Throughout the match, the Asian representative maintained 31% possession, with 6 shots and only one on target, compared to their African opponent's 30 shots, 12 of which were on target.

The 0-5 defeat concluded Iraq's 2026 World Cup campaign with three consecutive losses, conceding 12 goals and scoring only one.

Senegal opens the scoring against Iraq.

Iraq joins Qatar and Jordan in exiting the world's biggest football event. Qatar finished last in Group B after drawing 1-1 with Switzerland, then losing 0-6 to Canada and 1-3 to Bosnia. Jordan's chances of advancing ended after only two matches in Group J, with losses to Austria (1-3) and Algeria (1-3). This team still has a match against Argentina at AT&T Stadium (Arlington) on 27/6.

Conversely, Australia (second in Group D) and Japan (second in Group F) are the two Asian representatives who have secured their spots in the round of 16.

Senegal extends their lead to 2-0.

Four other Asian teams – South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia – still have a chance. Iran is currently second in Group G with two points and has a decisive match against Egypt. Saudi Arabia, last in Group H with one point, must defeat Cape Verde to keep their hopes of advancing alive. Similarly, Uzbekistan, with no points in Group K, must beat DR Congo in their final match to stay in the competition.

South Korea, having played all three of their matches, stands third in Group A with three points and a goal difference of -1. They must now await results from other groups to determine if they will secure a wildcard spot. Iraq's heavy defeat inadvertently pushed South Korea down to 7th place among the eight teams competing for a wildcard.

Senegal seals a 5-0 victory.

The 2026 World Cup not only expands to 48 teams but also marks the return of spots for the best third-placed teams, a feature last seen in the 1994 World Cup. Following the group stage, the 32 teams advancing to the round of 16 will comprise the 12 group winners, the 12 group runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams.

If teams are level on points in the group stage, FIFA will first consider their head-to-head records, including points, goal difference, and goals scored in matches between the teams concerned. If rankings remain undecided, the head-to-head criteria will be reapplied specifically to the teams still tied.

Should a tie persist, FIFA will then consider overall group goal difference, total goals scored, fair play points (fewer disciplinary cards ranking higher), and finally, their position in the latest FIFA ranking. If teams still cannot be separated, FIFA will continue to refer to previous FIFA rankings until a definitive ranking is established.

Hong Duy