Senegal entered this Group I opener as heavy favourites despite the suspensions of Koulibaly and Gueye, and they delivered a composed, dominant performance at BMO Field. Head coach Aliou Cissé deployed a 4-3-3 that pressed Iraq high and suffocated their build-up from the first whistle. Pape Matar Sarr was the engine in midfield — covering ground, winning second balls and threading the pass that set Mané free for the opener on 18 minutes. Mané's run in behind Manaf Younis was perfectly timed, and his low finish past Fahad Talib was a reminder that, even at Al-Nassr, the Senegalese captain retains elite finishing instincts. Iraq tried to reorganise at half-time, pushing Zidane Iqbal higher, but Nicolas Jackson doubled the lead nine minutes into the second half, latching onto Ismaïla Sarr's driven cross from the right and converting with a composed side-foot. Iqbal picked up a yellow card in frustration shortly after, and Iraq's discipline began to fray. Iliman Ndiaye wrapped up the points on 78 minutes, collecting a reverse pass from Mané and curling a right-footed shot into the far corner — a goal that confirmed Senegal's status as genuine Group I contenders. Iraq showed glimpses of quality through Ali Al-Hamadi's hold-up play but were simply outclassed across every department. A 3-0 scoreline flatters Iraq slightly — Senegal could have had five.

• Sadio Mané, now 34, showed he still has the big-game gene — direct, sharp and unplayable in the first half.
• Nicolas Jackson's movement off Ismaïla Sarr's cross was clinical; his 12th international goal in 28 caps.
• Iraq's defensive line was exposed repeatedly in behind — Koulibaly's absence from SEN was barely felt given Iraq's limited attack.
• Zidane Iqbal was Iraq's only creative outlet but was isolated and booked before being withdrawn.
• Senegal's xG of 2.81 vs Iraq's 0.38 tells the full story — a dominant, professional Group I opener.
• BMO Field's 30,000 crowd was heavily pro-Senegal, creating a de-facto home atmosphere for the Lions of Teranga.