Senegal's record 5-0 demolition of 10-man Iraq leaves Scotland on the brink of World Cup exit

Senegal dismantled 10-man Iraq 5-0 in Toronto to register the largest winning margin by an African side in World Cup history, a result that has left Scotland teetering on the edge of an early exit from the tournament.

Habib Diarra broke the deadlock after just four minutes, flicking home a powerful header from Abdoulaye Seck. Iraq’s evening unravelled further in the 13th minute when Rebin Sulaka, initially booked for bringing down Sadio Mane, was sent off after referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the incident at the monitor and upgraded the decision to a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead four minutes before the hour, converting Lamine Camara’s squared pass at close range. The goal made Sarr Senegal’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup with four goals, three of them at this tournament. Substitute Pape Gueye then produced a stunning brace, netting just 89 seconds after coming on and adding a second in the 71st minute. Fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye, who had earlier contributed an assist, blasted in a fifth with eight minutes remaining.

The victory lifts Senegal to fifth in the standings of third-placed sides, which in turn drops Scotland out of the top eight and leaves them on the verge of elimination. The Scots could be sent home before the weekend if results in Groups H and G go against them — they need Spain to beat Uruguay and Egypt to defeat Iran simply to stay in contention heading into Saturday’s final group-stage fixtures.

Even if those results fall their way, Scotland face a formidable task. Progression would still depend on specific outcomes across Groups J, K, and L, leaving their World Cup fate almost entirely in the hands of others.