Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has emphasized that his primary challenge is assembling a well-balanced and cohesive starting XI as the Eagles gear up for their next round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Mali will return to action next weekend, facing Comoros and the Central African Republic in crucial Matchday 5 and 6 encounters.
The team is aiming to secure its first-ever World Cup appearance, and with a squad boasting top talents like Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, RB Salzburg winger Nene Dorgeles, and Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko, Saintfiet believes squad selection will be key.
“It’s a big luxury to have so many quality players,” said the man who led The Gambia to the quarter-finals of Afcon on the nation’s debut in 2022,” the Belgian gaffer who replaced Eric Chelle last year told BBC Africa.
“I have so much choice for all positions, so many alternatives.”
Saintfiet, who took over from Eric Chelle last year, is determined to make history.
“It’s not selecting the best players, it’s selecting the best team. That’s now the task.
“We are going to try everything in the coming six qualifiers – two at home, four away – to write history,” he added.
Following this month’s matches, Mali will play their final four group-stage games in September and October.
The group winners will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Meanwhile, the four best second-placed teams across all 10 groups will advance to playoffs, where one nation will earn a final chance to qualify via an intercontinental playoff.
