Thiaw: We Stumbled vs France, Can’t Afford Mistakes vs Norway

Thiaw says Senegal have anti-Norway strategy

World Cup 2026: Senegal must beat Norway at MetLife Stadium to avoid elimination. Thiaw admitted Senegal “stumbled” vs France and said his team is ready to face Haaland without special marking.

Senegal eye first World Cup win vs group leaders Norway. Senegal must beat Norway to stay alive after France defeat...

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw called their 2026 World Cup match against Norway “a final for us” as the Lions of Teranga get ready for their second Group I game at MetLife Stadium on Monday.

Senegal started with a 3-1 loss to France. Lose to Norway and they’re out of the tournament with one group game left to play.

Ahead of kickoff, Thiaw said the match is crucial. He confirmed Senegal are ready and focused on getting their first win of this World Cup campaign.

Lions of Teranga Target Victory Over Norway

“It’s going to be a tough match, but we've prepared well. We’ve scouted Norway closely to see their strengths and weaknesses,” Thiaw told reporters ahead of the game as quoted by Wiw Sport.

“It's an important match, a final for us, because we know a negative result could cost us a place in the next round. Norway is a very good team, very strong offensively and athletically.

“But we’ve prepared for this challenge and are determined to get the win.”

Thiaw added: “We knew we were in a tough group. Every match is a final. We messed up the first one against France, but we still have two chances. Now we can't afford any more mistakes.

“Everyone is fit and eager to give their all and make our people proud. The players are ready. The team is ready.”

Asked if Senegal can still qualify from the group after losing to France, Thiaw said: “We know we stumbled in the first match. We can't afford any more mistakes.”

“We have to get points to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 32. That will start with this match against Norway, which will be very difficult, just like the previous match against France.

“We've reviewed that match thoroughly. We saw our mistakes and we want to correct them. Now, we're determined for tomorrow’s (Monday’s) match, eager to make our fans proud and continue in the competition.”

Thiaw Rules Out Haaland-Specific Tactics 

Norway started their campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored twice, netting in the 29th and 43rd minutes to put Norway top of the group.

When asked how Senegal plan to stop Haaland, Thiaw responded: “Erling needs no introduction. He’s a great striker, but there won’t be an anti-Haaland plan. There will be an anti-Norway plan.”

Thiaw added that Senegal have defenders with big-game experience who are used to facing forwards of Haaland’s quality.

“The objective is to get those points, but when you’re up against a player like Erling Haaland, who is very effective, it’s certain that we’ll have to be careful. But the most important thing remains Norway.”

Thiaw also confirmed Senegal studied Norway closely, including their win over Iraq. He said they’ve pinpointed Norway’s strengths and weaknesses.

“There weren’t any video analysts present, but we followed the match from a wide perspective. That's also important. And I think nothing escapes notice when you have relevant video analysts to dissect the Norwegian team,” offered Thiaw.

“Having someone in the stadium provides a different view; there wasn't one for the Norway vs Iraq match, but we did our job well. We identified their weaknesses and their strengths.”

Thiaw also admitted there were problems in the camp, but he assured that everything is sorted now.

“Yes, it’s true there have been some issues. But we’re here, the staff, the players, and the Federation,” explained Thiaw.

“We’re focused on the pitch and on tomorrow’s match. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Senegal wrap up their group stage against Iraq on June 26 at Toronto Stadium, after facing Norway.

"My contract? It’s settled. It took too long. But I must clarify that it was never about money, but rather a matter of principle and respect.”

Thiaw concluded: “As a Senegalese, patriotism comes first. Once I put on this tracksuit, I forget all about the contract.

“But there are things that need to be done. It was done late. After that, these are things that remain internal. The contract is confidential. If the details of my contract need to be revealed, it won't be me who does it.

“The most important thing is my people. We have an important match and we're focused on that.”