Sadio Mané takes the lead this Friday (26) in Senegal’s confirmed lineup for the duel against Iraq, valid for the third round of Group I of the 2026 World Cup. At 34 years old, the veteran striker of the Lions of Teranga carries the responsibility of leading the team in a game that can keep alive the dream of qualifying for the knockout stages via the best third-placed teams. The ball drops at 4pm (Brasília time), at BMO Field, in Toronto.
Pape Thiaw maintained his confidence in Mané as the centerpiece of the attack. With Mory Diaw in goal, Édouard Mendy remains injured, the defense has Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté and El Hadji Malick Diouf. The midfield features Idrissa Gueye (captain), Pape Gueye and Lamine Camara, while Ismaila Sarr completes the attacking trio alongside Mané. The captain is enjoying a moment of leadership on and off the field after the defeats to France and Norway.
Senegal confirmed lineup
- Goalkeeper: Mory Diaw
- Defenders: Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, El Hadji Malick Diouf
- Midfielders: Lamine Camara, Idrissa Gueye (c), Pape Gueye
- Forwards: Ismaila Sarr,Sadio Mane(highlight and captain in attack)
On the Iraqi side, Ahmed Basil must defend the goal, with a defensive line formed by Hussein Ali, Akam Hashem, Zaid Tahseen and Merchas Doski. The middle has Amir Al-Ammari and company, with Ali Al-Hamadi up front. Iraq also arrives at zero and with a worse balance, needing a significant victory.
Mané arrives at the clash as the biggest Senegalese reference. After remarkable spells at Liverpool and Al-Nassr, he is looking to raise the team’s level in a campaign so far below expectations: 3-1 defeat to France and 3-2 to Norway. A great performance from him, with goals or assists, could be decisive in improving the goal difference and paving the way for the third-place playoff.
France and Norway have already guaranteed a direct place and are playing in parallel. Senegal and Iraq are competing for the chance to extend their participation in the tournament. It is the first official meeting between the teams at the World Cup, and the Senegalese veteran represents the experience necessary for moments of pressure like this.
Mané’s performance could define not only the result, but also the immediate future of the Lions of Teranga in the competition. A convincing victory, with the captain shining, keeps the scores alive until the final whistle of the other group matches.