France's Ousmane Dembele struck a hat-trick against Norway.
Image: AFP
Following back to back losses at the World Cup, Senegal rediscovered their confidence in a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq that has revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
The goals came from Abdoulaye Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye — who struck twice — and Iliman Ndiaye as Senegal produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament so far, overwhelming Iraq with pace, pressing and relentless attacking pressure.
More significantly, the victory has kept Senegal alive in the race for the Round of 32.
The situation in Group I is now fully defined. France and Norway have secured the top two positions, meaning Senegal can finish no higher than third regardless of the final round of fixtures.
However, under the expanded World Cup format, eight of the best third-placed teams progress into the knockout rounds — and Senegal remain firmly in that fight.
That reality has completely shifted the emotional temperature around the squad.
Only days ago, Senegal looked vulnerable and disconnected. Their pressing lacked coordination, transitions felt hesitant, and the attacking aggression that once made them one of Africa’s most feared sides appeared missing.
Now, they suddenly look dangerous again.
The performance against Iraq showed a team rediscovering its identity. Senegal pressed higher with intensity, defended with greater confidence, and attacked with freedom.
But while Senegal were relaunching their campaign, another storyline exploded elsewhere in Group I — and it belonged entirely to Ousmane Dembele.
The France forward delivered one of the defining individual performances of the tournament so far, scoring a devastating first-half hat-trick in France’s 4-1 victory over Norway.
Dembele struck three times inside the opening half-hour before France added a fourth goal later in the match, completely overwhelming Norway with speed, precision and attacking fluidity.
His movement dismantled defensive structure throughout, with every transition carrying the threat of another breakthrough moment.
For France, it reinforced their frightening attacking depth beyond Kylian Mbappe. For Senegal, however, attention now shifts entirely toward permutations.
Their route is narrow but still alive. Goal difference, points total and results across other groups will determine whether they finish among the eight best third-placed teams progressing into the Round of 32.
But after looking close to elimination earlier in the tournament, Senegal have achieved the most important turnaround possible at a World Cup:
They have given themselves a chance again.