World Cup 2026: We have moved on from AFCON drama – Pape Thiaw ahead of Senegal opener against France

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has called on his players to put the controversy surrounding their Africa Cup of Nations triumph behind them and concentrate fully on their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against France.

The Lions of Teranga face the former world champions in a highly anticipated Group I encounter at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday, with Thiaw insisting the team’s attention is firmly fixed on the tournament ahead.

“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,” Thiaw said of Tuesday’s Group I clash at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The comments come nearly five months after a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time to secure what appeared to be a second continental crown.

The final was overshadowed by controversy after much of the Senegal team walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty awarded to hosts Morocco. The players eventually returned, and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz saw his penalty saved before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time.

Senegal’s frustration stemmed from the earlier disallowing of one of their goals, a decision that sparked heated reactions from players and officials alike.

Despite celebrating another African title, Senegal’s triumph was later thrown into doubt when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped them of the championship two months later as punishment for the walk-off protest.

The West African nation subsequently appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is still awaiting a verdict that could determine whether they regain their continental crown.

While the appeal remains unresolved, Thiaw is determined to ensure the saga does not distract his squad from their World Cup ambitions.

The Senegal coach also drew confidence from his country’s growing stature on the international stage as they prepare to face a star-studded French side.

Thiaw was part of Senegal’s squad at the 2002 World Cup when the African nation stunned defending champions France with a famous 1-0 victory in the tournament’s opening match. Although he did not feature in that game, he believes another Senegal victory would not carry the same shock value today.

“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.

Senegal enter the tournament with a blend of experience and quality, led by talisman Sadio Mane, who returns to the World Cup stage at the age of 34 after missing the 2022 edition through injury.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly has also been declared fit despite recent concerns over a back problem, providing a major boost for the African side ahead of their opening fixture.

With the AFCON controversy still awaiting a legal resolution, Senegal will now seek to make headlines on the pitch as they begin their World Cup campaign against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.