Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remains convinced his team can still reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite suffering back to back defeats in Group I.
The Teranga Lions slipped into a difficult position after a 3-2 loss to Norway on Monday, following their opening 3-1 defeat against France. While France and Norway have already secured qualification with six points each, Senegal still have a slim route into the Round of 32 through one of the tournament’s eight best third placed spots.
Speaking after the defeat to Norway, Thiaw admitted his side faced a major challenge against an efficient opponent but urged his players not to lose belief.
“I think that it was a difficult game for us against a very strong Norwegian side that put us into very difficult situations as they were very efficient,” Thiaw said.
Norway took advantage of key moments in the match, scoring just before half time and again shortly after the restart. Those goals proved decisive despite Senegal’s spirited fightback, led by Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice and nearly completed a dramatic hat trick in stoppage time.
“We conceded goals at probably the worst time that we could have, just before half-time and then just after we came out for the second half.
“But we need to congratulate Norway, and I’m encouraging my players not to be despondent because it wasn’t easy. We were looking for a positive result and looking to go away with three points, but this just didn’t happen for us this evening.”
The result leaves Senegal needing a victory against Iraq in their final group match in Toronto on Friday. Even then, qualification will depend on results elsewhere.
Despite the setback, Thiaw rejected suggestions that Senegal’s World Cup campaign is already over.
“We’ve got one match to go, and we need to focus on this last game, and try it and get three points and then cross our fingers,” he said.
“I think it’s a little bit too early to say that we failed. We’re not dead. We’re not in a good position, and it is true that it’s the first time that Senegal has started a World Cup campaign with two defeats.
“But we’ve still got a chance to qualify, and we’re going to focus on the last game. We want to try and get those three points and hope that we can go through.
“Once you’re in the next round, then it’s another tournament that starts.”
The difficult start to Senegal’s campaign came after high expectations heading into the tournament. The African champions arrived in North America as one of Africa’s strongest contenders following their Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco earlier this year.
However, preparations for the World Cup were overshadowed by off field issues. Before the Norway match, Thiaw publicly criticised the Senegalese Football Federation over administrative problems involving his contract and player bonus payments.
Reports of tension between the squad and federation dominated headlines after the opening defeat to France, raising concerns about distractions within the camp. Thiaw also revealed he had been working without a renewed contract since February despite leading the team to continental success.
Fortunately for Senegal, the coach confirmed those matters have now been resolved and the focus has returned entirely to football.
“Yes, there have been some issues, but whether it’s the players, the coaching staff, or the federation, everyone is now focused on tomorrow’s match, that’s the most important thing,” Thiaw told reporters before the Norway clash.
“The matter has finally been resolved.”
Senegal now face a must win encounter against Iraq. Victory alone may not be enough, but Thiaw and his players remain determined to fight until the very end as they seek to keep their World Cup dream alive.
