Reports say Iraq opened the group with a 4-1 defeat by Norway before losing 3-0 to France. Those results leave the team needing a sharp response against a side that starts higher in the world rankings.
The numbers make Senegal the expected favourite, but Iraq’s route remains clear: avoid another defeat and keep their hopes of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams alive.
Senegal are also waiting for their first victory, so their advantage on paper has not yet translated into three points. That makes Friday’s match more than a contest between different-ranked teams; it is a test of which side can handle the tournament pressure better.
For Senegal, failing to win against the lower-ranked opponent would leave their qualification hopes exposed. Iraq, meanwhile, must improve after conceding seven goals across their opening two games.
The build-up has been driven by the supporters as much as the standings. Reports suggest as many as 3,000 Iraq fans were expected to march towards the stadium, with drums, green flares and a smaller Senegal following adding to the city-wide occasion.
That support could give Iraq an emotional lift, but the match will ultimately turn on defensive discipline and Senegal’s ability to impose their greater tournament experience.
With Norway and France already through, the next storyline is whether either side can finally produce a first Group I win-and keep the last-16 door open.