Pape Thiaw calls on the Lions of Teranga to bounce back against Iraq

Following two consecutive defeats in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, the Senegalese manager acknowledged the disappointment surrounding his team.

Senegal face Iraq this Friday, 26 June, in their final group stage match of the World Cup currently being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is a high-stakes match for the Lions of Teranga, who have not picked up a single point since the start of the tournament. They are therefore on the brink of elimination. But aware of the high expectations of the Senegalese people, Pape Thiaw has called on his players to rise to the challenge on the pitch against Iraq this Friday, 26 June.

“People are disappointed; we know that. We have to accept it and respond by fighting back on the pitch. We’re working on it and we’re ready. We’ll do everything we can to win and continue our campaign. It’s up to us to react and show a different side to ourselves. If other African teams have managed to qualify for the next round, why not Senegal? We have what it takes to achieve that.”