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World Cup: Pape Thiaw challenges Senegal players ahead of crunch Belgium showdown
01st July, 2026 10:09 AM
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has challenged his stars to rise to the occasion with a big performance against Belgium in their Round of 32 clash this Wednesday. July 1, 2026, in Seattle.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the coach confirmed that Édouard Mendy has not yet recovered from a knee injury suffered against Norway.
The veteran custodian missed the team’s final group clash against Iran, but Thiaw backed the remaining players in the squad to get the job done, starting with his understudy, Mory Diao.
Making an impact
“We will be without Édouard Mendy, so I have 25 players available,” Thiaw said. “We will see tomorrow who will start. Mory played an excellent match and kept a clean sheet. We hope he will do the same thing today.”
The African giants are seeking to join Morocco in the Round of 16 following Ivory Coast’s elimination at the hands of Norway, and Thiaw insisted he will need all hands on deck, including formidable bench options tasked with making an impact.
The Lions of Teranga have had a mixed tournament so far, losing to both France in a 3-1 defeat and Norway in the group phase before mounting a fierce fightback to sweep aside Iraq 5-1 to qualify for the knockout phase.
Thiaw emphasised that every player must be ready to contribute.
They will be eyeing improved fortunes against Belgium’s side, who have been among the tournament’s best-scoring teams so far.
“Since the start of the tournament, we have been looking to field the best team possible. If adjustments are necessary, we make them. I have 26 starting players. Except for Édouard Mendy, the entire squad is ready. We will field the best eleven, and those who come off the bench will also need to make a difference.
African teams on the global stage
“Obviously, I am not going to reveal my game plan in a press conference. At the AFCON, we played with a very high line, and it worked well for us. But everything also depends on the opponent. We have studied this Belgian team thoroughly, and you will see,” he stated.
The gaffer also commented on the impressive run by African nations at the tournament, with a dominant majority advancing to the knockout rounds, with the sole exception of Tunisia.
“Africa has shown that when it is given opportunities, it knows how to seize them. We have nothing to envy from anyone. African national teams are working very well, with coaches who come from the continent. I especially want to congratulate DR Congo on their qualification,” he concluded.
The encounter will kick off at 11:00 pm.
