Senegal Ready For ‘Final’ Against Iraq – Coach Thiaw

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has insisted his side will not take Iraq lightly as they prepare for a decisive Group I clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto.

The West Africans head into the game under pressure after successive defeats to France and Norway left their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread. Thiaw admitted the situation is far from what his team had expected but said victory is now the only option.

“There’s a lot of talk; we have to admit. It’s normal when you’re coming off two defeats in two matches, especially when you were considered one of the favourites,” Thiaw told reporters ahead of the must-win game while hinting at changes to his starting line-up.

“Now, we have to turn things around. That means me making tactical decisions, but also the players. We’re ready. We’re working hard. We’ll make the best choices.”

The Senegal coach said his players remain determined to rescue their World Cup campaign despite the difficult start.

“We’ll try to give everything to secure qualification. The players want to have a great World Cup. We perhaps didn’t expect to be in this situation, but that’s the reality today,” he said.

“We’re going to do everything we can to beat Iraq and keep hoping for qualification to the next round.

“The defeat against Norway was painful, but it gives us even greater motivation to beat Iraq and qualify for the next round. Friday’s match is a final for both teams.

“If we want to stay in this World Cup, we have to win. The team needs its supporters. We need them to push the players and secure this qualification.”