Senegal loses 3-2 to Norway, needs Iraq win to stay alive at 2026 World Cup

Senegal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Norway in their second group match at the 2026 World Cup, leaving them on the brink of elimination. The Teranga Lions had won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against hosts Morocco, but were controversially stripped of the title by CAF, with the case now at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Historically, reigning AFCON champions struggle to translate continental success to the World Cup; only Nigeria in 1994 and 2014, and Senegal in 2022, have advanced past the group stage while holding the African title. After two matches, Senegal faces elimination and needs a win over Iraq to have any chance of advancing. To keep their World Cup hopes alive, they must defeat Iraq in their final group game and rely on being among the eight best third‑placed teams to reach the Round of 32.

Will Senegal's win over Iraq be enough to break the AFCON winner's World Cup curse and secure a place in the Round of 32?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/23/2026-world-cup-senegal-suffering-from-curse-of-afcon-winner/