BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Senegal produced a dazzling second-half display to become the first African team to score five goals in a FIFA World Cup 2026 match, thrashing 10-man Iraq 5-0 on Friday and keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

With survival at stake, the Lions of Teranga knew only a convincing victory would give them a realistic chance of sneaking into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. They responded with a performance full of power, flair and determination that left Iraq overwhelmed and ultimately eliminated.

The match had barely settled when Senegal struck. In the fourth minute, Lamine Camara whipped a corner into a crowded penalty area where Abdoulaye Seck rose highest. His downward header took a slight touch off Habib Diarra’s boot and looped beyond helpless goalkeeper Ahmed Basil to give Senegal the perfect start.

Things soon went from bad to worse for Iraq.

Sadio Mane, sensing an opening, burst clear towards goal only to be hauled down by defender Rebin Sulaka just outside the penalty area. After consulting VAR, English referee Anthony Taylor reached for the red card, reducing Iraq to ten men and handing Senegal a numerical advantage for more than an hour.

Yet Iraq refused to surrender.

Despite being a man down, the Asian side continued to attack courageously and occasionally troubled the Senegal defence. Senegal, meanwhile, struggled to convert their superiority into goals before the interval, with Mane and Ismail Jakobs firing speculative efforts wide.

Whatever was said in the Senegal dressing room during the break had an immediate effect.

The African side emerged with renewed urgency and soon turned the contest into a celebration.

Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead from close range, registering his fourth World Cup goal and becoming Senegal’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. The strike opened the floodgates.

Substitute Pape Gueye then stole the spotlight.

The midfielder unleashed two stunning long-range thunderbolts that flew past Basil and ignited wild celebrations among thousands of Senegal supporters packed into the stadium. Each strike was greeted by deafening roars and rhythmic dancing in the stands as fans sensed history unfolding before their eyes.

Not to be outdone, fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye added another spectacular effort from distance, completing a five-star performance and ensuring Senegal became the first African nation to score five goals in a single World Cup match.

As the final minutes ticked away, the sea of green in the stands found its voice. Chants of “Senegal! Senegal!” echoed around the stadium while supporters danced and waved flags, hoping their team’s emphatic victory would be enough to extend their stay in North America.

The result lifted Senegal to third place in Group I with three points, behind group winners France and runners-up Norway. Iraq finished bottom of the group without a point and exited the competition.

For Senegal, however, the story is not yet complete. Their fate now rests on results elsewhere as they wait anxiously to discover whether their historic five-goal triumph will earn them one of the eight coveted places reserved for the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

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Ghana face one of the most unusual scenarios of the FIFA World Cup when they take on Croatia in their final Group L match on Saturday.

On the surface, victory appears the obvious objective. However, the outcome of the match carries significant implications beyond qualification.

If Ghana beat Croatia:

• Group Position: Higher finish in Group L.
• Round of 32 Opponent: Portugal.
• Venue: Toronto, Canada.
• Major Drawback: Midfield star Thomas Partey would be unavailable because of an unresolved Canadian visa issue, depriving the Black Stars of one of their most influential players.

If Ghana lose to Croatia:

• Group Position: Lower placing in Group L.
• Round of 32 Opponent: Colombia.
• Venue: Atlanta, United States.
• Major Advantage: Thomas Partey would be eligible for selection, as the match would be played in the United States, where he has no travel restrictions.

The Dilemma

Ghana must weigh the benefits of finishing higher in the group against the loss of a key player for the knockout stage. A victory would earn a prestigious tie against Portugal but without Partey, while defeat would lead to a meeting with Colombia with the Arsenal midfielder available.

It presents a rare World Cup conundrum in which success in the group stage could come at a high sporting cost, leaving the Black Stars with a decision that extends beyond the result on the pitch.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the FIFA World Cup enters centre stage as Norway and France lock horns in Boston, with two of football’s most prolific goalscorers set to headline the contest.

The spotlight will inevitably fall on Norway’s Erling Haaland and France captain Kylian Mbappé, whose remarkable scoring exploits have made them among the most feared forwards in world football.

Haaland has enjoyed a sensational start to his World Cup career, becoming only the sixth player in tournament history to score at least twice in each of his opening two appearances at the finals. The prolific Norwegian will once again carry his country’s attacking hopes as they seek another memorable result.

Standing in his way is Mbappé, whose World Cup pedigree is already firmly established. The French superstar has netted 16 goals in 16 FIFA World Cup matches, underlining his reputation as one of the competition’s greatest performers despite still being in the prime of his career.

Beyond the individual rivalry, the encounter promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two ambitious European nations with knockout-stage aspirations.

With Haaland and Mbappé both capable of deciding matches in an instant, fans at Boston can expect a contest packed with pace, power and world-class finishing in what could prove one of the standout matches of the tournament.

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