World Cup 2026: Ciss sends strong message as Senegal finish Saudi Arabia warm-up

Senegal midfielder Pathé Ciss has stressed that his team will not take a passive role at the World Cup, following a strong display in their final warm-up match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night.

Ciss, who was named man of the match, helped Senegal secure a solid performance as they concluded their preparation phase ahead of their tournament opener against France on 16 June.

The midfielder used his post-match comments to underline both satisfaction with the team’s build-up and belief in their competitive intent.

Speaking to Sport221 after the match, he expressed relief that Senegal had completed their friendly schedule without setbacks. “First and foremost, we must thank God.

We played all our friendly matches without any injuries, and that’s very important before such a demanding competition,” he said.

Beyond fitness concerns, Ciss reflected on the value of the Saudi Arabia fixture as a final tactical checkpoint before the World Cup begins. He acknowledged both positives and areas requiring improvement as Senegal sharpen their approach for the tournament.

“There are things to improve, just as there are good things to keep. It was a preparation match, different from what a World Cup match will be like.

We faced a good Saudi Arabian team, which allowed us to see some aspects to correct before our first match against France,” continued Pathé Ciss.

Attention has now shifted to Senegal’s opening Group stage clash against France, a fixture that already carries significant weight in shaping their tournament campaign. Ciss believes mentality and determination will be decisive factors when the two sides meet.

“It’s France, but it’s still a football match. We’re in a tough group, but the most determined team will win. We’re not here to make up the numbers. We have specific objectives and we discuss them after every training session,” the Senegalese player concluded.

His comments reflect a broader sense of ambition within the Senegal squad as they prepare to enter a highly competitive group, with expectations building around their ability to challenge established football powerhouses.