World Cup 2026: We’ll be ready for France challenge – Senegal coach Pape Thiaw

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw insists his outfit will be ready for their 2026 World Cup opening game against France despite sharing spoils against Saudi Arabia in their final warm-up match.

The Lions of Teranga wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a 0-0 stalemate on Tuesday night, ending their pre-tournament friendly campaign without a victory. While the result highlighted concerns in attack, Thiaw was encouraged by his team’s defensive discipline and ability to keep a clean sheet.

Speaking after the match, the Senegal coach acknowledged that his players struggled to convert their chances but insisted there were still positives to take from the performance.

“We are still in the preparation phase. We lacked efficiency in front of goal, but we also managed not to concede. That is something positive,” Thiaw said.

The draw came just days before Senegal begin their World Cup campaign, with the African champions now turning their full attention to their opening Group I clash against France on June 16.

Thiaw is fully aware of the challenge awaiting his side against one of the tournament favourites. France arrive at the World Cup boasting a star-studded squad and are currently among the highest-ranked teams in international football.

Despite acknowledging the quality within Didier Deschamps’ team, the Senegal tactician remains confident that his players can rise to the occasion.

“We are facing one of the strongest teams in world football, a side with tremendous quality and experience. But we also have our own strengths and we will do everything possible to be ready for that challenge,” he added.

Senegal will be aiming to make a strong start in a competitive Group I that also includes Norway and Iraq. The Lions of Teranga know that a positive result against France could significantly boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Although their preparations did not produce the desired results, Thiaw will be encouraged by the organisation and defensive resilience shown by his team in recent matches. The coach is expected to use the remaining days before the tournament opener to sharpen his side’s attacking play and improve their efficiency in front of goal.

With experienced stars and emerging talents in the squad, Senegal remain one of Africa’s leading hopes at the tournament and will be determined to make a statement when they take on France next week.

The clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round, as the Lions of Teranga seek to begin their World Cup journey on a positive note against one of the favourites for the title.