World Cup 2026: Gana Gueye remains optimistic despite Senegal defeat to France

Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye believes his side’s 3-1 defeat to France in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup did not accurately reflect the balance of play, insisting the Lions must quickly turn their attention to the next challenge.

The Teranga Lions began their campaign with a defeat against one of the tournament favourites, but Gueye remains convinced that valuable lessons can be taken from the encounter as Senegal look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Speaking after the match, the experienced midfielder acknowledged the disappointment of the result while stressing that the competition is still in its early stages.

“We started this match well. Unfortunately, in the second half, we conceded those goals. I think the scoreline is very, very harsh, but it’s a football match.

It’s only the beginning of the competition, and I think this match will allow us to correct the mistakes we made during this game and be ready for the next one. That’s the most important thing.”

Senegal produced an encouraging first-half display and managed to compete with a French side that arrived at the tournament among the favourites.

However, Gueye believes the turning point came shortly after the restart when France broke the deadlock and gained momentum.

“We conceded that goal very early in the second half, and then we lacked a bit of rhythm to score the equalizer. After that, there were chances, notably Jackson’s goal that was disallowed. I think if we had scored it at 1-1, it would have changed the game,” he explained.

The midfielder suggested that the outcome could have been different had Senegal capitalised on some of the opportunities they created during a crucial period of the contest.

Despite the frustration, Gueye was quick to acknowledge the quality of the opposition.

“Today, we’re playing against a very good French team, two-time World Cup finalists. That’s no coincidence. They knew exactly what they were doing,” he added.

France’s experience and ability to manage key moments ultimately proved decisive, but Senegal remain determined to respond positively in their upcoming fixtures.

The Everton midfielder made it clear that the team’s ambitions have not changed despite the setback.

“Now, we have to concentrate on the next match. The objective is still there, which is to get out of the group stage first. We still have two matches ahead of us, and we need to prepare them well,” concluded Gana Gueye.

With two group-stage matches remaining, Senegal still have an opportunity to revive their World Cup campaign.

Their next encounter against Norway has now taken on added importance, with the Lions needing a positive result to strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds and keeping their tournament hopes firmly alive.