Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw is upbeat that the Teranga Lions can still progress into the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite losing to Norway.
After falling to a 3-1 defeat to France in their opening group match, the Senegalese were once again on the losing side following a 3-2 loss.
But all hopes are not lost for Senegal as they still have to face Iraq in their final group tie. A win for Thiaw’s side could see them finish as one of the best third-placed team.
Reflecting after the defeat, Thiaw said they are down but not out yet.
“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,” Thiaw said.
Also Read: World Cup 2026: Senegal’s Sar Equals Ahmed Musa’s World Cup Feat In Defeat To Norway
“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.”
