World Cup 2026: Senegal in 4-2-3-1 with Sadio Mané against Iraq’s 4-1-4-1

Senegal and Iraq begin play on Wednesday, June 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. GMT+1 at BMO Field in Toronto for their third group match in Group I of the 2026 World Cup. This clash, crucial for two nations already beaten in their first two matches, is of major importance in keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Senegal, under head coach Bouna Thiaw Pape, line up in a 4-2-3-1, a system built on a balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity. The team is looking to respond after two defeats against Norway (2-3) and France. Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, adopt a 4-1-4-1 formation, favouring a compact midfield in an attempt to stem Senegal’s attacks while building moves through their advanced midfielders and lone striker.

Senegal’s line-up features several well-known key players. In defence, Moussa Niakhaté and Abdoulaye Seck form the central pairing, supported by Krépin Diatta and Ismail Jakobs on the flanks. The midfield is built around Idrissa Gana Gueye and Habib Diarra, providing a double pivot to control play. In attack, the attacking trio of Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Lamine Camara supports lone striker Ismaïla Sarr, who is tasked with finishing moves. The absence of Édouard Mendy, injured in the knee, forces the team to start goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

For Iraq, the back four consists of Frans Putros, Akam Hashem, Rebin Sulaka and Merchas Doski. The midfield is structured around Amir Al-Ammari, positioned as the holding player in front of the defence. Ali Jasim, Ibrahim Bayesh, Zidane Iqbal and Ahmed Qasem operate in an advanced line, supporting striker Ali Al-Hamadi up front. This collective unit is seeking to combine defensive discipline with quick use of counterattacks.

Reading Senegal’s XI

Senegal are banking on a flexible 4-2-3-1 with Bouna Thiaw Pape in charge. This system allows the midfield to be firmly anchored by Idrissa Gana Gueye and Habib Diarra, two ball-winners capable of ensuring the transition between defence and attack. The attacking line relies on the experience and pace of Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, supported by Lamine Camara in a more creative role. Moussa Niakhaté and Abdoulaye Seck at the back provide a solid defensive base, despite the absence of captain and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who is replaced by Mory Diaw. The presence of Krépin Diatta and Ismail Jakobs on the sides should allow overlaps and openings on the wings.

Reading Iraq’s XI

Under Graham Arnold, Iraq opt for a compact 4-1-4-1, with Amir Al-Ammari as the defensive anchor to protect a four-player back line. This set-up is designed to reduce space and respond to Senegal’s attacking pressure. The four-man midfield, made up of Ali Jasim, Ibrahim Bayesh, Zidane Iqbal and Ahmed Qasem, will be tasked with driving play and quickly restarting moves forward. Ali Al-Hamadi, the lone striker, will need to make the most of long balls and gaps in the opposing defence to create chances. This organisation reflects Iraqi pragmatism in search of a positive result in a difficult group.

The starting XIs

Senegal

System4-2-3-1Head coachBouna Thiaw Pape

Starters11

1. 23 Mory Diaw Goalkeeper
2. 15 Krépin Diatta Defender
3. 4 Abdoulaye Seck Defender
4. 19 Moussa Niakhaté Defender
5. 14 Ismail Jakobs Defender
6. 5 Idrissa Gana Gueye Midfielder
7. 21 Habib Diarra Midfielder
8. 20 Ibrahim Mbaye Midfielder
9. 8 Lamine Camara Midfielder
10. 10 Sadio Mané Midfielder
11. 18 Ismaïla Sarr Forward

Substitutes14

• 1 Yehvann Diouf
• 2 Mamadou Sarr
• 3 Kalidou Koulibaly
• 24 Antoine Mendy
• 25 El Hadji Malick Diouf
• 6 Pathé Ismaël Ciss
• 17 Pape Matar Sarr
• 22 Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
• 26 Pape Gueye
• 13 Iliman Ndiaye
• 7 Assane Diao
• 9 Ahmadou Bamba Dieng
• 11 Nicolas Jackson
• 12 Cherif Ndiaye

Iraq

System4-1-4-1Head coachGraham Arnold

Starters11

1. 22 Ahmed Basil Goalkeeper
2. 26 Frans Putros Defender
3. 5 Akam Hashem Defender
4. 2 Rebin Sulaka Defender
5. 23 Merchas Doski Defender
6. 16 Amir Al-Ammari Midfielder
7. 17 Ali Jasim Midfielder
8. 8 Ibrahim Bayesh Midfielder
9. 14 Zidane Iqbal Midfielder
10. 11 Ahmed Qasem Midfielder
11. 9 Ali Al-Hamadi Forward

Substitutes15

• 1 Fahad Talib
• 12 Jalal Hassan
• 6 Munaf Younus
• 3 Hussein Ali
• 4 Zaid Tahseen
• 15 Ahmed Hasan Maknazi
• 25 Mustafa Saadoon
• 7 Youssef Amyn
• 19 Kevin Yakob
• 20 Aimar Sher
• 24 Zaid Ismail
• 21 Marko Farji
• 10 Mohanad Ali
• 13 Ali Yousif
• 18 Aymen Hussein

Senegal

Half-time 1-0 BMO Field

Iraq

26/06/2026 20:00 · Group I

Fil du match

1. 4'⚽But - H. Diarra (passe A. Seck)Sénégal, 4e
2. 13'Carton rouge - R. Sulaka1-0Irak
3. 16'↑↓Remplacement - A. Qasem (remplace M. Younis)Irak, 16e
4. 18'Carton jaune - A. SeckSénégal, 18e

Group I schedule

View full schedule

View match details for France - Senegal

16/06 Group I

France

Finished 3-1 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

View match details for Iraq - Norway

16/06 Group I

Iraq

Finished 1-4 Gillette Stadium

Norway

View match details for France - Iraq

22/06 Group I

France

Upcoming 1-0 Lincoln Financial Field

Iraq

View match details for Norway - Senegal

23/06 Group I

Norway

Finished 3-2 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

View match details for Norway - France

26/06 Group I

Norway

Half-time 1-3 Gillette Stadium

France

View match details for Senegal - Iraq

26/06 Group I

Senegal

Half-time 1-0 BMO Field

Iraq