Senegal players must have final mentality against Iraq - Thiaw

Senegal's national football team must adopt a "final mentality" when they face Iraq in their last Group I match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, according to coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. The team is in a difficult position after losing their opening two matches against France and Norway, failing to secure any points so far. "For us, the match against Iraq is like a final because if we want to stay in this tournament, we must win," Thiaw stated at a press conference. He acknowledged the team's strong desire for victory, emphasizing its importance for the nation and the need to bounce back immediately from previous setbacks. "There is no more room for error," he added.

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For us, the match against Iraq is like a final because if we want to stay in this tournament, we must win.

Despite the urgency, a victory against Iraq does not guarantee Senegal a spot in the knockout stages. The West African nation will also need to monitor results from other groups to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams to advance to the round of 32. Senegal defender Ismail Jakobs admitted that the team's fate is not entirely in their own hands but stressed the players' determination to give their all on the field. "All the players want to continue playing in the World Cup. We know the situation we are in, but our job is to ensure victory first before waiting for other results," Jakobs said.

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There is no more room for error.

Adding to their challenges, Senegal will be without their main goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, who has been ruled out due to an injury sustained during the match against Norway. The team is focused on securing the win against Iraq as their immediate priority, while acknowledging the external factors that will also influence their tournament future.

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All the players want to continue playing in the World Cup. We know the situation we are in, but our job is to ensure victory first before waiting for other results.