Pape Thiaw is optimistic about Kalidou Koulibaly

The fitness of the Lions of Teranga captain continues to be a focus of attention with just a few weeks to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.

Kalidou Koulibaly is carrying an injury he sustained during a training session with his club Al Hilal. As the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico approaches, uncertainty still surrounds the Senegalese defender.

Asked about the matter during the press conference ahead of the friendly match against the United States, the Senegal manager struck a cautious yet optimistic note. Pape Thiaw explained that the defender is being monitored in close collaboration with the medical staff.

“We are monitoring his progress in collaboration with the medical staff. We will provide an update on this at the appropriate time, when we have more certainty. But the progress is positive. We hope he will be ready. I think so and I believe so. We have confidence in our medical staff and our fitness coaches.”