World Cup 2026: Iraq vs Senegal Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Iraq host Senegal at BMO Field in Toronto for a Group I finale in which neither team has much to play for, with kickoff at 21:00 CAT on Friday. Both teams arrive without a point and already out of contention for the knockouts, so this is about pride and finishing on a positive note. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Iraq

Iraq came into the tournament with high hopes but leave the group empty handed after heavy defeats to Norway and France. From my point of view Graham Arnold's side have been competitive in patches, but have never threatened to take points off the group's stronger nations. Both Jamal Hussein and Ahmed Basil have been busy in goal across the one match in which they have each kept, and the back line will again be under sustained pressure here. With Aymen Hussein leading the line, Iraq will look to play on the break and salvage some pride from a chastening campaign.

Predicted Lineup: Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Ismael, Iqbal, Qasem; Hussein.

Senegal

Senegal have endured a hugely disappointing tournament, losing to France and then going down 3-2 to Norway to crash out at the group stage. In my opinion Pape Thiaw's side have badly underperformed given the talent at their disposal, and pride will be the only motivation left. Edouard Mendy should bring calm to the goal behind Kalidou Koulibaly, while Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson carry the attacking threat. Even a below-strength Senegal carry far too much quality for Iraq, and I expect them to sign off with a comfortable win.

Predicted Lineup: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane.

Neither team has anything left to play for beyond pride, but the gulf in quality is obvious and Senegal will want to leave the tournament with at least one win to their name. I expect Mane and Jackson to find a way through an Iraq defence that has conceded freely, while Iraq struggle to create at the other end. My forecast: Iraq 0 Senegal 2.

BTTS: No (1.65)

I am backing Both Teams To Score: no and my read on this is that Iraq simply do not have the firepower to breach a Senegal defence that still contains Koulibaly and Mendy. Iraq have looked toothless in attack across the group, while Senegal will be desperate to keep a clean sheet and restore some pride. At 1.65 a Senegal clean sheet looks the most reliable angle in this game.