Pape Thiaw calls for ambition and humility as Senegal prepare for World Cup

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has called on the Lions of Teranga to aim for the highest level at the 2026 World Cup while insisting ambition must be matched with humility and discipline.

Just hours before unveiling his final 26-man squad for the tournament, the Senegalese coach delivered a strong message about the mentality he expects from his players as they prepare for football’s biggest competition.

Speaking to SNA, Thiaw said Senegal must not be afraid to dream of winning major honours, stressing that success begins with belief, hard work and the right atmosphere within the squad.

“We must dream of the sky, if we don’t have the sky, we’ll have the stars. We must dream big,” the coach said, underlining the importance of setting high objectives ahead of the World Cup.

The Senegal boss also warned against arrogance despite the country’s growing status in international football. According to Thiaw, the team’s ambition should not be confused with pretension as the Lions continue preparations for another major global tournament.

“We are not pretentious at all, we are just ambitious. We want to go very far in competitions, but in any competition, you have to take it one game at a time,” insisted the coach of the Lions of Teranga.

Thiaw believes careful planning and concentration will be essential if Senegal are to compete successfully against some of the world’s strongest nations. He stressed the need for method and lucidity throughout the competition as his side targets a deep run at the tournament.

The Senegal coach is set to announce his 26-player squad later on Thursday, with attention already turning towards the country’s group-stage matches against France, Norway and Iraq.

Senegal’s immediate target will be to secure positive results in those fixtures before attempting to progress as far as possible in the competition.

As anticipation builds around the squad announcement, Thiaw’s message has made clear that Senegal intend to approach the World Cup with confidence, ambition and belief, while remaining fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.