Senegal advances to World Cup Round of 32 with 3 points

Senegal has secured advancement to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite finishing the group stage with only 3 points. This is the only instance of a team progressing with such a low point total. Senegal achieved this by maintaining a positive goal differential of plus-2 after a decisive 5-0 victory against Iraq. The match was critical as Iraq had a player sent off, allowing Senegal to capitalize by increasing their goal tally significantly. With this win, Senegal moves forward, having known they needed a high score to stay in the competition.

• 4:03 AMYahoo Sports — How Senegal seized last 3rd-place spot to advance to World Cup Round of 32 with just 3 points in group stage