Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has described their final 2026 FIFA World Cup group match against Iraq as a “final” for both teams, www.aclsports.com report.
Senegal head into the match under pressure following consecutive defeats, but Thiaw says the squad remains fully focused on securing a crucial victory to keep their tournament hopes alive.
“The defeat against Norway was really bitter because we had prepared well for this match to get a positive result. But unfortunately, we lost. Now we have digested it, and the team is hungry to go and get a victory in tomorrow’s match for our people and for our flag,” the coach said.
Senegal need a result to stay in the competition, and Thiaw did not hide the importance of the fixture.
“I think tomorrow is a final for both teams, because each team has had two defeats. So in order to stay in the competition, we have to win this match,” he said.
“We came here as African champions, but people will be disappointed after two defeats. Tomorrow it is an obligation to win. It will be difficult, but we will try to make Africa happy,” Thiaw added.
Thiaw also addressed the fitness of key players, confirming that Kalidou Koulibaly is available for selection, while Édouard Mendy has been ruled out due to a minor injury sustained in the last match. He added that the rest of the squad is fit and ready.
“He was fit to play these matches. And now he is ready again, he is training, he is well,” Thiaw said.
From the players’ side, Ismail Jakobs echoed the coach’s message, stressing belief within the squad despite the difficult situation.
“Obviously everyone is disappointed with the results we have, but I think we also have to look at it rationally,” Jakobs said.
“We played against probably the best team in the competition, France. We had a very good first half, and there are a lot of positives we can take.”
The defender admitted the pressure is significant but insisted the squad is prepared for it.
“Of course there is pressure, because if we lose the game, we will be out of the World Cup. But everyone in this team is used to handling pressure,” he said.
“We played the AFCON final in Morocco. Every one of us has already played big games. There will be pressure, but in a good way,” Jakobs added.
He also highlighted the unity across Africa as Senegal look to respond.
“I think all African countries support each other. We don’t always have the strength of the fans in the stadium, but all of Africa is behind us,” he concluded.
