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

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

Iraq take on Senegal at BMO Field in Toronto in a Group I finale with little at stake for either side, kicking off at 21:00 CAT on Friday. Neither team has a point and both are already out of the running for the knockouts, so this one is all about pride and ending on a high. All our World Cup betting tips are waiting for you in our dedicated section.

Iraq

Iraq arrived at the tournament full of hope but go home from the group with nothing after heavy losses to Norway and France. As I see it, Graham Arnold's team have competed at times but never looked like taking points from the stronger sides in the group. Jamal Hussein and Ahmed Basil have both been kept busy in goal in the single game each has played, and the defence will be under constant pressure again here. With Aymen Hussein up front, Iraq will try to hit on the counter and rescue some pride from a sobering campaign.

Expected Starting XI: Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Ismael, Iqbal, Qasem; Hussein.

Senegal

Senegal have had a deeply disappointing tournament, losing to France and then falling 3-2 to Norway to go out in the group stage. For me, Pape Thiaw's team have fallen well short given the talent they have, and pride is the only thing left to play for. Edouard Mendy should be a calming presence in goal behind Kalidou Koulibaly, while Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson lead the attack. Even a weakened Senegal have far too much quality for Iraq, and I think they will bow out with a comfortable win.

Expected Starting XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane.

Neither side has anything but pride to play for, but the difference in quality is clear and Senegal will want to go home with at least one win on the board. I think Mane and Jackson will find a way past an Iraq defence that has let in plenty, while Iraq will struggle to create at the other end. My prediction: Iraq 0 Senegal 2.

BTTS: No (1.65)

My pick is Both Teams To Score: no, because as I see it Iraq just lack the firepower to break down a Senegal defence that still has Koulibaly and Mendy. Iraq have had no bite going forward in the group, while Senegal will be keen to keep a clean sheet and win back some pride. At 1.65, a Senegal clean sheet looks the safest angle in this match.