Senegal Shifts Focus to World Cup as Pape Thiaw Aims for French Upset

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has said that his team is focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made it clear that the issues from January’s Africa Cup of Nations final will not distract the Lions of Teranga before their big match against France.

At a press conference on Monday, Thiaw pushed back against claims that players are still thinking about the AFCON controversy.

“I am not going to go back over the AFCON, that’s behind us. This is the World Cup. We have prepared well for it, and we are focused on tomorrow’s match,” the Senegal coach stated.

His comments come nearly five months after a highly controversial AFCON final.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time in January’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. But the match was marred by a protest from the Senegal team.

Angry after a goal was disallowed and a late penalty was given to Morocco, many Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest. They returned later, but Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed a penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the goal that secured Senegal’s second continental title.

However, celebrations were cut short. Two months later, the Confederation of African Football took the title away from Senegal due to the walk-off. Senegal has since appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and awaits a final decision.

Despite the ongoing legal issues, Thiaw insists that the focus is now on football’s biggest stage.

The former midfielder knows what it feels like to face France at a World Cup.

Thiaw was part of the Senegal team that shocked the world by defeating defending champions France 1-0 in the first match of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Though he was an unused substitute that day, he witnessed one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Over twenty years later, he feels another Senegal win would not be a surprise.

“It would not be a surprise if we beat a France team with world-class players,” he said.

“France are favourites, but our team has been champions of Africa, and we have qualified for a third straight World Cup.”

Thiaw’s confidence was echoed in a statement from the Senegal Football Federation before the match.

“This will definitely not be an easy match. It is our first game at this World Cup, so it is a very important encounter, even if it is not decisive. We have prepared in the best possible way and hope that victory will be ours tomorrow.”

The 45-year-old coach is happy with his squad’s readiness for this big match.

“I am fortunate to have my entire squad available. Our preparation allowed us to give playing time to everyone. It is a real advantage to begin the competition with a full squad.”

Senegal will look to one of their best players for inspiration. Sadio Mané returns to the World Cup at 34 years old after missing the 2022 tournament due to injury. He brings experience and leadership to a team eager to make a statement against a top football nation.

There is also good news about fitness, as captain Kalidou Koulibaly is fit to play despite recent back issues. The France-born defender is expected to lead Senegal’s defense as they face one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

For Senegal, the goal is clear: put the AFCON controversy behind them, face the challenge ahead, and try to make more history in the World Cup.

Twenty-four years ago, they stunned France and introduced themselves to the world. On Tuesday night in New Jersey, they have another chance to do it again.