Thank you, Egypt, thank you, VAR: Senegal reach World Cup knockout phase
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 27.06.26. | 13:43
Despite beating only the lightweight opposition in Group I, Iraq, and collecting just three points, the Lions of Terranga will be a part of the last 32 teams at the World Cup
Senegal have squeezed through!
Despite being drawn into the 2026 World Cup group of death alongside France, Norway, and Iraq, the expectations for the African giants were high. Anything less than a place in the knockout phase would have been a disappointment.
And the Lions of Teranga delivered, though much harder than expected.
Their internal problems cannot be neglected or overlooked, that's for sure. Poor conditions and substandard food in camp, the fact that the players had to buy groceries and cook for themselves, that they are owed bonuses for their previous results, that their manager Pape Thiaw reportedly works without a contract and hasn't received his salary for months - all of that must have played a major role.
However, for two and a half decades, Senegal have been building their reputation in football. A reputation that could have easily been tarnished in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Luckily for them, the Lions of Teranga had a helping hand from elsewhere.
Senegal 🇸🇳 have qualified for the Round of 32 after Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran.
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) June 27, 2026
Their dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq was enough to send the Lions of Teranga through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Senegal also made history as the first African team to score five goals… pic.twitter.com/wtJ6GwQnmE
Last night, Egypt and Iran drew 1-1, sending Thiaw's team to the knockout phase as one of the best eight third-placed teams, while the Asian side will have to rely of luck in the race for a place among the last 32 teams. At the moment, Senegal and Cabo Verde are the only sides to advance with three points by their name, though the Blue Sharks were runner-ups in their group.
The Lions of Teranga picked up those vital three points in the nick of time, demolishing the lightweight ten-man Iraq 5-0. Their performances against France and especially Norway weren't promising ahead of the knockout phase, but things can always change, as the tournament now truly begins.
Iran's late goal vs. Egypt that would've send them to the Round of 32 was disallowed after VAR review called it offsides. pic.twitter.com/Sj7zXj3Kxq
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 27, 2026
Apart from Egypt's help, Senegal had VAR on their side, as Iran's added-time winner that could have stunned the African crew was disallowed for a marginal offside.
The Lions of Teranga have been given a new lease of life in the tournament. Now they need to repay their luck and prove they belong in the last 32.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)
Group I
Friday
Norway - France 1-4 (1-3)
/Aasgaard 21 - Dembele 7,20, 32, Doue 90+4/
Senegal - Iraq 5-0 (1-0)
/Diarra 4, Sarr 56, Gueye 59, 72, Ndiaye 82/