World Cup 2026: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw urges diaspora support ahead of France opener

Pape Thiaw has called on Senegal’s diaspora community in New York and across North America to rally behind the national team as they prepare to face France in their FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of the Group I showdown in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Senegal head coach acknowledged the emotional impact of having limited travelling support, while urging expatriate fans to fill the gap left by supporters unable to make the journey from West Africa.

Senegal will head into the tournament without the full backing of their traditional travelling fan base, with visa restrictions imposed on several African nations by United States authorities limiting attendance.

The situation has significantly reduced the presence of organised supporter groups such as the well-known “Gaindé,” who are usually a vibrant feature of Senegal’s international matches, with flags, music and continuous vocal support.

Thiaw admitted the absence of those fans is a setback, but stressed the team must adapt.

“It’s a political subject, and generally I prefer to stick to sports, but of course, we’d like to have our fans with us,” he said.

“They push us, especially in tough moments, but we won’t have them with us.”

Despite the restrictions, Senegal are expected to receive strong backing from their diaspora communities across the United States and Canada.

Large Senegalese populations in cities such as New York, Chicago and Montreal are anticipated to create a strong matchday presence, particularly in areas like Harlem’s “Little Senegal” enclave, which is home to one of the most established West African communities in the U.S.

Little Senegal (Harlem) is expected to be a focal point of support, with fans likely to travel in numbers to the stadium in New Jersey.

Thiaw believes this diaspora backing could prove crucial in replicating the atmosphere Senegal usually enjoy at international tournaments.

“We do have a major Senegalese community here, and we know the Senegalese are very patriotic,” he added.

“You’ll see it tomorrow, and you won’t believe that there aren’t any Senegalese people travelling from Senegal.”

On the pitch, Senegal face a stern test against reigning powers France in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.

Thiaw acknowledged the quality of the opposition but insisted his team are ready for the challenge and confident in their ability to compete.

“It’s going to be a tough game with strong players on the team,” he said.

“We know how important it is to start the competition well.”

He added that early momentum in the tournament will be vital for confidence and group progression, while stressing that Senegal have the tools to trouble any opponent when performing at their best.

Following their opener against France, Senegal will remain in the United States for their second group match against Norway in New York.

They will then conclude their Group I campaign against Iraq in Toronto on June 26, where more travelling supporters from Africa are expected to attend due to comparatively easier entry requirements into Canada.

For Senegal, however, the immediate focus is clear: finding a result against France, with or without the traditional travelling army of supporters behind them.