World Cup 2026: AFCON drama behind us – Senegal coach Thiaw ahead of France opener

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has declared that the bitter fallout from the Africa Cup of Nations final is firmly in the past as the Lions of Teranga turn their full attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a blockbuster opening clash against France.

The African champions begin their Group I campaign on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where they will face one of the tournament favourites in a match that is already generating significant anticipation.

The encounter comes almost five months after a dramatic and controversial AFCON final against Morocco, a game that ended with Senegal lifting the trophy following a hard-fought 1-0 victory after extra time.

That triumph, however, was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal’s players briefly left the field in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The spot-kick was ultimately saved before Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal that secured the title.

Despite celebrating what appeared to be a second continental crown, Senegal were later stripped of the championship by the Confederation of African Football as punishment for the walk-off incident. The decision sparked widespread debate across the continent, and Senegal subsequently lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a final verdict yet to be delivered.

However, Thiaw made it clear that neither he nor his players are interested in revisiting those events on the eve of their World Cup opener.

“I am not going to go back over the AFCON, that’s behind us. This is the World Cup. We have prepared well for it, and we are focused on tomorrow’s match,” the Senegal coach said.

His comments reflect a squad determined to ensure off-field controversies do not distract from their ambitions on football’s biggest stage.

Senegal arrive at the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see another memorable World Cup campaign. The Lions of Teranga have established themselves as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing powers in recent years and are appearing at a third consecutive World Cup.

For Thiaw, the challenge against France carries added significance. The former midfielder was part of Senegal’s squad at the 2002 World Cup when the West Africans stunned defending champions France with a famous 1-0 victory in the opening match of the tournament.

That historic result remains one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, but Thiaw believes another Senegal victory over Les Bleus should not be viewed as a shock.

“It would not be a surprise if we beat a France team with world-class players. France are favourites, but our team has been champions of Africa, and we have qualified for a third straight World Cup,” he said.

The coach’s confidence is rooted in the quality and experience available within his squad. Senegal will once again look to veteran forward Sadio Mane for inspiration as the former African Player of the Year returns to the World Cup stage after injury forced him to miss the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

At 34, Mane remains one of the continent’s most influential figures and will be expected to lead Senegal’s attacking charge against a formidable French defence.

There is also encouraging news at the back, with captain Kalidou Koulibaly available for selection after overcoming a recent back problem. The experienced defender, who was born in France before choosing to represent Senegal internationally, is expected to play a key role in containing the attacking threat of his country of birth.

With memories of past success against France still fresh in Senegalese football folklore, the Lions of Teranga head into their World Cup opener with confidence, belief and a determination to create another chapter in their growing history.

For Thiaw and his players, the message is simple: the AFCON saga belongs to the past, and all eyes are now fixed on making a statement on the grandest stage of all.