Iraq's projected lineup against Senegal confirmed ahead of Toronto clash

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq will face Senegal on Friday at BMO Field in Toronto in a 2026 World Cup group-stage match between two sides already eliminated from advancing. Iraq enters the game after a 4-1 loss to Norway and a 3-0 loss to France, with coach Graham Arnold expected to give third-choice goalkeeper Fahad Talib his first start. The reported back four is Hussein Ali, Mirkas Duski, Akam Haşim and Zaid Tıhasin, with Imar Şir set to start in midfield alongside either Amir Alamari or Zeyd İkbal. Ali Casim is expected to return to the left flank, while Aymen Hüseyin and Ali El-Hammadi, both fit, are projected to lead the attack. Muhanned Ali's injury is set to open a starting spot for Ali Yusuf. Arnold said at Thursday's press conference that the squad is carrying strong motivation to finish the tournament with a win. The match is scheduled to kick off at 22:00 local Turkish time (19:00 GMT).