2026 World Cup: Senegal fights for survival against Iraq
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All original articlesThe Lions of Senegal are playing their final group match this Friday (7 p.m. GMT) against Iraq in Toronto. With their backs against the wall after two defeats, they have no choice but to win, with the largest possible margin, to hope to be among the eight best third-placed teams and qualify for the round of 32 of the World Cup.
Defeated by France (3-1) in the first matchday, then by Norway (3-2) in the second, the Lions approach this Friday their third and final outing in Group I in a precarious situation. Zero victories, zero points, six goals conceded. To stay in this 2026 World Cup, only one option remains: to win against Iraq, with a sufficient margin to be among the eight best teams ranked third in their respective groups.
The opponent tonight is not in a less desperate situation. The Iraqis, who are participating in their second World Cup only since 1986, have conceded seven goals in two matches, beaten by Norway (4-1) then crushed by France (3-0). For them too, this match looks like a last resort. And this is precisely what makes it so special.
A determined coach
Pape Thiaw did not shy away from reality at the press conference this Thursday. The Senegalese coach acknowledged the pain of the defeat against the Norwegians while refusing to see it as the end.
“The loss against Norway was painful, but it gives us even more motivation to beat Iraq and qualify for the next round. Tomorrow's match is a final for both teams. If we want to stay in this World Cup, we must win”, he stated.
Beyond the immediate result, Thiaw tried to refocus his squad mentally. The idea circulating internally for several days is based on a simple belief: once the group stage is over, another competition begins. And the Lions want to be part of it. “We know that after the group stage, it’s another competition that starts and hopefully we’ll be there and we’ll really show it this time, because people are counting on us. There’s a lot of talk, we have to admit it. That’s normal when you come off two defeats in two matches, when we were named among the favorites. Now, we have to sound the charge”, he declared.
Koulibaly available, Mendy absent
On the availability front, Thiaw can count on almost his entire squad. Only Édouard Mendy, who injured his left knee, is out. Kalidou Koulibaly, whose fitness has been questioned since the start of the tournament (he finished his season injured) will indeed be present. The coach preferred not to elaborate on the topic.“I prefer to speak collectively. But it's true we have a medical staff and technical staff monitoring the players, and we determined that Koulibaly was fit to play these matches. He is ready for tomorrow, he’s well, he’s training, he continues to receive treatment like everyone to be fit”, he indicated.
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The kickoff will be at 7pm GMT at BMO Field in Toronto. For Senegal, it will be all or nothing.