World Cup 2026: Senegal boss Pape Thiaw hails Africa’s rising influence

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has spoken confidently about the growing strength of African football on the global stage, insisting he is not surprised by the continent’s increasing impact at the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of Senegal’s opening 2026 World Cup Group I clash against France, Thiaw pointed to recent milestones as evidence of Africa’s steady progress in international football.

“I am not surprised. African football has changed a lot. We saw last time Morocco was in the semifinals. Now we even have more teams,” he said, referencing Morocco’s historic run to the last four in 2022, which marked the deepest ever finish by an African nation at the tournament.

His comments come at a time when African representation at the World Cup has expanded significantly, with multiple teams now seen as genuine contenders rather than outsiders.

The Senegal coach’s remarks reflect a broader shift in perception, with several African sides increasingly competing toe-to-toe with traditional football powerhouses.

Senegal now turn their attention to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage — a meeting with reigning global heavyweights France.

The match carries added symbolism, reviving memories of Senegal’s famous 1-0 victory over France in the 2002 World Cup, one of the tournament’s most iconic upsets.

While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Thiaw is expected to lean on Senegal’s blend of experience and emerging talent as they aim to begin their campaign with a statement result against one of the tournament favourites.

The encounter is widely viewed as a key early test of Senegal’s ambitions, with both sides entering the competition under pressure to start strongly in a tightly contested group.