2026 World Cup: Senegal Must Beat Iraq To Keep Qualification Hopes Alive

2026 World Cup: Senegal Must Beat Iraq To Keep Qualification Hopes Alive
Coach Pape Thiaw admitted the team’s difficult start to the tournament.
Thiaw urged supporters to rally behind the team in Toronto.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has said his team will not underestimate Iraq as they prepare for a crucial Group I encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto.

The West Africans head into Friday’s fixture under pressure after suffering back to back defeats to France and Norway, leaving their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 hanging in the balance.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking ahead of the must win encounter, Thiaw admitted the team’s campaign has not gone according to plan but insisted his players are determined to turn things around.

“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 while hinting at possible 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 squad remains focused on rescuing its World Cup campaign despite the disappointing start to the tournament.

“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.”

Reflecting on his side’s defeat to Norway, Thiaw described the result as painful but said it has strengthened the team’s resolve ahead of Friday’s decisive clash.

“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.”

2026 World Cup: Senegal Must Beat Iraq To Keep Qualification Hopes Alive

A victory over Iraq would keep Senegal’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive, while anything less would bring their 2026 World Cup campaign to an end.