Iraq vs Senegal FIFA World Cup 2026: Kick-off time, venue, squads
Synopsis
Both Iraq and Senegal arrive at their Group I finale without a single point between them — a win is virtually mandatory for either to survive as a third-placed qualifier. With France and Norway already sorted above them, Saturday's clash at BMO Field is as close to a knockout game as the group stage gets.
Key Takeaways
Iraq vs Senegal kicks off at 12:30 AM IST on 28 June 2026 at BMO Field, Toronto .
Both teams are winless in Group I and need a win to have any chance of advancing as a third-placed side.
Senegal lost 3-2 to Norway after conceding a late winner from Erling Haaland .
Iraq were beaten 4-1 by Norway and 3-0 by France, leaving them bottom of the group.
Live streaming is on Zee5 ; TV telecast on Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 2 channels in India.
Referee: Anthony Taylor .
Iraq and Senegal face off in a must-win FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I decider at BMO Field, Toronto on Saturday, 28 June 2026, with kick-off at 12:30 AM IST. Both nations are winless after two matches and are fighting for a slender chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed sides in the tournament.
What Is at Stake
France have already claimed top spot in Group I with a maximum six points, while Norway sit second. Neither Iraq nor Senegal has earned a single point, making Saturday's contest a virtual elimination game. Their only realistic path to the Round of 32 is a win — and even then, goal difference across all groups will play a decisive role, given that eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance.
How Each Side Got Here
Senegal came agonisingly close to a point against Norway, levelling late before Norway striker Erling Haaland struck his second goal of the match to seal a 3-2 win for the Scandinavians. Before that, Senegal had already dropped their opening fixture. Iraq, managed by Graham Arnold, have had it worse: a 4-1 opening-day defeat to Norway was followed by a 3-0 loss to France in Philadelphia, leaving them bottom of the group on goal difference.
Where to Watch in India
Live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is available in India on the Zee5 platform and app — a subscription is required. Live telecast will be carried on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Match Details
Date and kick-off: Saturday, 28 June 2026, 12:30 AM IST
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Full Squads
Senegal
Goalkeepers: Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf, Édouard Mendy
Defenders: Ilay Camara, Krépin Diatta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismail Jakobs, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moustapha Mbow, Antoine Mendy, Moussa Niakhaté, Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck
Midfielders: Lamine Camara, Pathé Ciss, Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
Attackers: Assane Diao, Bamba Dieng, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr
Iraq
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Basil, Jalal Hassan, Fahad Talib
Defenders: Hussein Ali, Merchas Doski, Akam Hashem, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon, Rebin Sulaka, Zaid Tahseen, Ahmed Maknazi, Manaf Younis
Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari, Youssef Amyn, Ibrahim Bayesh, Marko Farji, Zidane Iqbal, Zaid Ismail, Ali Jassim, Ahmed Qasim, Aimar Sher, Kevin Yakob
Forwards: Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Yousef
With both sides desperate for points and goal difference potentially separating the best third-placed teams, every goal on Saturday night will carry outsized weight.
Point of View
Headlined by Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye, gives them a marginal edge on paper, but Iraq's back-to-back heavy defeats raise questions about Graham Arnold's tactical setup that a single result may not resolve. For Indian viewers, the 12:30 AM IST slot is a late-night commitment, but the stakes make it worth the alarm.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Iraq vs Senegal kick off in India?
The match kicks off at 12:30 AM IST on Saturday, 28 June 2026. It is the final Group I fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is being played at BMO Field in Toronto.
Where can I watch Iraq vs Senegal live in India?
Live streaming is available on the Zee5 platform and app in India, with a subscription required. TV viewers can catch the match on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD channels.
What do Iraq and Senegal need to qualify?
Both teams are yet to earn a point in Group I and need a win to stand a realistic chance of advancing. Eight of the twelve third-placed teams progress to the Round of 32, so goal difference across all groups will also be a critical factor.
What are Iraq and Senegal's results so far in FIFA World Cup 2026?
Senegal lost 3-2 to Norway and dropped their opening match as well. Iraq were beaten 4-1 by Norway on opening day and then lost 3-0 to France in Philadelphia, leaving them at the bottom of Group I.
Who is the referee for Iraq vs Senegal?
Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for the Iraq vs Senegal Group I match at BMO Field, Toronto on 28 June 2026.
