World Cup 2026: Senegal still alive in race despite poor start, insists Pape Thiaw

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw remains optimistic about his side’s chances of progressing to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite suffering defeats in their opening two Group I matches.

The Lions of Teranga face a must-win encounter against Iraq at the Toronto Stadium on Friday, knowing that victory could keep alive their hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Senegal’s campaign has endured a difficult start, with back-to-back losses leaving the West Africans in an unfamiliar and precarious position. However, Thiaw insists it is premature to write off his team’s chances.

Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, the Senegal coach stressed that qualification remains within reach and urged his players to focus solely on securing all three points against Iraq.

“We’ve got one match to go and we need to focus on this last game, try it and get three points and then cross our fingers,” Thiaw said.

“I think it’s a bit too early to say we failed. We’re not dead. We’re not in a good position and it’s the first time that Senegal has started a World Cup campaign with two defeats.

“But we’ve still got a chance to qualify and we’re going to focus on the last game. We want to try to get those three points and hope we can go through. Once you’re in the next round, then it’s another tournament that starts.”

A victory over Iraq would give Senegal a fighting chance of progressing, depending on results elsewhere in the competition and the ranking of third-placed teams across the groups.

Despite the disappointing start, Thiaw believes qualification would offer his side a fresh beginning in the knockout phase, where momentum can quickly shift.

The encounter against Iraq is therefore expected to be decisive for Senegal, who are desperate to avoid an early exit and extend their stay in the tournament.

With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, the Lions of Teranga will be aiming to produce a spirited performance in Toronto and keep alive their dream of reaching the Round of 32.