Senegal should control the game through a **4-3-3 press**, with Mané dropping between the lines to connect possession and then attacking the space behind Iraq’s narrow block. Iraq’s best route is to stay compact in a **4-5-1/4-4-2**, slow the game down, and break quickly through Ali Jasim and Abdulkareem before Senegal’s pressure can reset. The key battles are Senegal’s wide threat—especially **Ismaïla Sarr** and **Bamba Dieng** attacking isolated fullbacks—and Iraq’s ability to keep the center closed so Kevin Yakob can survive the press and release counters. If Senegal win second balls and turn their wide pressure into cutbacks or set pieces, the match points strongly their way; if Iraq can keep it level into the later stages, the draw becomes live.
