Written by: Ayman Ragab
While it seemed that worse was yet to come for them after their first two defeats, the Senegalese national team finally secured its place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, relying on a decisive victory over Iraq (5-0) and on the positive results of Group G in a competition that has been expanded to include 48 teams.
Senegal qualified with great difficulty, after Iran and Egypt drew 1-1, while Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1, thus securing its place among the eight best third-placed teams in the first round.
Result of the Senegal vs. Iraq match
With three points and a two-goal difference, the "Lions" team outperformed other teams such as South Korea, Scotland and Uruguay.
Just a few days ago, this scenario seemed unlikely. Consecutive defeats against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2) had plunged the team into an unprecedented crisis. All certainties had vanished.
Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gueye: the team's key players failed to perform at their usual level. Pape Thiaw's tactics came under public criticism. The coach, whose standing has declined, faced widespread scrutiny regarding his management of the team.
Behind the scenes, preparations for the tournament suffered from significant organizational problems. Many players traveled to the United States without receiving their bonuses. This situation, which the coach himself publicly acknowledged, fueled resentment within the team.
To make matters worse, the issue of renewing Pape Thiaw's contract remained unresolved. His contract, which expired several months ago, was only renewed on the eve of the match against Norway, after arduous negotiations with the federation. This ambiguity fueled speculation about a strained relationship between the coach and the federation.
Meanwhile, the cabinet reshuffle, with Glady Djeray Clotilde Couly taking over the Ministry of Sport, added further instability. Accommodation conditions, the training camp environment, and questions about daily organization all exacerbated the already existing tensions.
The Lions have regained their attacking prowess, tactical efficiency, and defensive solidity—qualities they sorely lacked. The team has once again proven its worth, demonstrating the level expected of a nation considered a powerhouse in African football.
This qualification doesn't dispel the questions surrounding the start of the tournament, but it does reshuffle the deck. A team that was expected to be on the verge of elimination managed to turn a series of difficulties into a triumphant sporting comeback.
New ambition
The round of 32 now presents a different challenge. Senegal enters this new stage with the ambition to continue its run, but also needs to solidify an environment that has at times seemed to weigh down the competition itself.
The Lions refused to give up. This qualification, achieved especially in the most difficult circumstances, symbolizes their ability to overcome adversity.
