World Cup 2026: Thiaw vows to do everything to secure qualification ahead of Senegal vs Iraq

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has confirmed that his side will treat the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I encounter in Toronto against Iraq with utmost seriousness.

After consecutive defeats to France and Norway, Thiaw has described the match as a final, stressing that a win is essential to keep their knockout‑stage hopes alive.

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“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 making changes to his starting XI.

“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.”

Thiaw continued: “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.”

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