Though Senegal World Cup 2026 campaign has been buoyed up in theory by back-to-back losses in Group I, head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw says that the West African side has a route to go.
Senegal lost its first game to France, 3-1, and then Monday’s game at the New York New Jersey Stadium to Norway, 3-2. The failed campaign puts Senegal without any points at the end of their two group matches, facing pressure of elimination.
Senegal, who are currently third on the table with six points, have only one point to secure a berth in the knockout stages if the French and the Norwegian side each manage to pick up a win at the next two games.With six points, Senegal’s options are limited with one point needed to make a deal at the final two matches to qualify for the knockout stage. But their last group game with Iraq on Friday in Toronto is now a must win affair, as well as relying on good form elsewhere.
Head coach Thiaw credited his team with opponents and key moments that contributed to the victory over Norway. He emphasized the importance of time of goals scored, especially late in the first half and early in the second half, when Senegal’s goal-scoring tempo was interrupted.
Thiaw, however, did not despair and was adamant that his team “must stay cool” and that they should be “calm” for the last match. He said it wasn’t a true reflection of the outcome and urged players to make efforts translate to achievements during the final encounter with Iraq.
