World Cup 2026: Pape Thiaw hails African rise as Teranga Lions prepare for Belgium test

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw issued a bold declaration of continental pride on Wednesday, asserting that African football has permanently closed the gap with global elite powers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of his team’s knockout stage match against Belgium, Thiaw emphasized that African nations are no longer just participating in the tournament, but are actively dominating crucial moments on the world stage.

“Africa has shown that when it has opportunities, it knows how to seize them,” Thiaw told reporters during a press conference.

“We have nothing to envy in anyone. African teams are working very well, with coaches from the continent.”

The Teranga Lions manager made the comments as African representation reached unprecedented heights in the expanded 48-team tournament. His words specifically highlight a historic tactical shift, with a record seven out of the ten qualified African nations operating under the guidance of homegrown local managers.

Thiaw argued that this reliance on domestic expertise has infused teams with a deeper sense of national identity and tactical discipline. The shift marks a definitive departure from previous decades, when African football associations heavily relied on European and South American imports to guide them through major international tournaments.

They now face a formidable, unbeaten Belgian side led by Rudi Garcia, who topped Group G following a 5-1 routing of New Zealand.

Adding to the drama, Senegal must navigate this historic first-ever meeting between the two nations without star goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who is sidelined with an injury.