World Cup 2026: Pape Thiaw insists Senegal have reset ahead of decisive Belgium showdown

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw believes the World Cup has entered a completely different phase as his side prepares to face Belgium in the Round of 32, insisting the Lions of Teranga are fully focused on extending their journey in the competition.

After recovering from a difficult start to reach the knockout stage, Senegal now sees the meeting with Belgium as an opportunity to leave its early setbacks behind and pursue a place in the next round.

Thiaw began the 2026 World Cup campaign with ambitious expectations, setting his sights on guiding Senegal to a historic achievement. However, those hopes were tested after consecutive defeats in the group’s opening fixtures.

The Lions of Teranga were beaten 3-1 by France before suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat to Norway, results that left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

With no room for error, Senegal responded in emphatic fashion on the final matchday. A commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq secured qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and ensured the African side remained in contention.

Although the route to the knockout rounds proved challenging, Thiaw has made it clear that his players are no longer dwelling on the group-stage campaign. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, he stressed that the competition has effectively started again.

“It’s a new tournament that’s starting, and we are determined.”

The Senegal coach also highlighted the significance of every match from this stage onward, where a single result determines whether a team’s World Cup dream continues.

“We’re in knockout matches. We win, we stay; if we lose, we go home. And we want to continue, to show good things so that we can achieve our goal,” he continued.

Belgium now stands between Senegal and a place in the next round, with Thiaw fully aware of the challenge posed by one of Europe’s strongest sides.

Despite acknowledging the quality of the Belgian team, he remains convinced Senegal has earned its place in the knockout stage and possesses the ability to compete for victory.

“It will be a difficult match against a Belgian team that has shown some good things. But we too deserve our qualification, even though we have suffered two defeats.

This match is very important. We are playing against a top team, while we finished among the best third-placed teams. We know we have the qualities to go for the win.”

Having overcome early disappointment to keep their World Cup campaign alive, Senegal enters the Round of 32 determined to write a new chapter.

Thiaw’s message is clear: the struggles of the group stage are over, and the focus is now entirely on eliminating Belgium and keeping the Lions of Teranga’s World Cup ambitions alive.