Senegal lineup vs. Iraq: Predicted XI for World Cup 2026 clash as under-fire captain Kalidou Koulibaly expected to start

Senegal caput manager Pape Thiaw finds himself astatine a crossroads implicit skipper Kalidou Koulibaly, who could perchance beryllium axed from the starting lineup against Iraq connected Friday pursuing his costly mistakes against Norway.

Although Chelsea starlet Mamadou Sarr and Abdoulaye Seck are waiting successful the wings to regenerate the seasoned defender, the erstwhile Napoli antheral is inactive tipped to clasp his spot for specified a pivotal fixture.

The under-fire skipper is apt to beryllium joined successful the starting XI by Sadio Mane, who acceptable up 1 of his side's goals past clip retired but has yet to genuinely acceptable the tourney alight during the opening 2 matchdays.

In contrast, wide spouse Ismaila Sarr responded brilliantly to his nonaccomplishment to people against France by delivering a standout show successful Monday's constrictive 3-2 defeat to the Norwegians.

Nicolas Jackson is expected to implicit the unsafe frontline aft registering a good assistance against the Vikings, portion first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is absent owed to a genu injury.

Mendy's forced lack opens the doorway for Mory Diaw to measurement betwixt the sticks down a backmost 4 consisting of Krepin Diatta, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Koulibaly.

In the centre of the park, a robust midfield portion should diagnostic Lamine Camara alongside experienced campaigners Idrissa Gueye and Papa Gueye.

This hard-working cardinal trio volition beryllium tasked with dominating the motor country and providing the indispensable ammunition for Sarr, Jackson and Mane successful the last third.

Senegal imaginable starting lineup:

Diaw; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane

> Click present to spot however Iraq could enactment up against Senegal