Following two consecutive defeats in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, the Senegalese manager has acknowledged the disappointment surrounding his team. With high stakes on the horizon, the Lions of Teranga are poised to face Iraq on Friday, 26 June, in their final group stage match.
Senegal has yet to secure a point in the tournament, placing them on the brink of elimination. Pape Thiaw has urged his players to meet the high expectations of the Senegalese public by rising to the challenge in their upcoming match against Iraq.
“People are disappointed; we know that. We have to accept it and respond by fighting back on the pitch. We’re working on it and we’re ready. We’ll do everything we can to win and continue our campaign. It’s up to us to react and show a different side to ourselves. If other African teams have managed to qualify for the next round, why not Senegal? We have what it takes to achieve that,” said Thiaw.