World Cup 2026: Iraq wants "We must beat Senegal at all costs"

Iraq coach Graham Arnold said it loud and clear at the press conference

Africa 25 June 2026 at 06:39

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World Cup 2026: Iraq wants "We must beat Senegal at all costs"

26.06.26 FT World Cup

Senegal

Iraq

On Friday evening at 19:00 GMT at BMO Field in Toronto, Iraq faces Senegal in their final group stage match of the World Cup. After two heavy defeats—3-0 against France and 4-1 to Norway—the Lions of Mesopotamia have no room left for error.

Graham Arnold's message was crystal clear and full of ambition.
"For me, now it's all about Senegal. We still have a chance. And when I say we have a chance, it means we must beat Senegal at all costs. Only then will we keep alive our hopes of grabbing one of the eight qualifying spots."

𝙋𝙍𝙊𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙄𝙉 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃 | The Lions will return to the pitch on Friday in Toronto to face Iraq in their last group stage match. #GoGainde | #FIFAWC2026 pic.twitter.com/MuqeKrg4Dr
— Senegal National Team (@GaindeYi) 24 June 2026

It's do or die for Iraq: they must win if they want to keep their World Cup journey alive. Against a powerful Senegalese side, Arnold is demanding a response worthy of pride from his players after back-to-back defeats.