EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw has delivered a surprising assessment of the European competition awaiting his team in Group I. While acknowledging the strength of France, Thiaw believes Norway currently represents the most formidable challenge among the continent’s national sides.
The Lions of Teranga are grouped with France and Norway for the tournament, which will be co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Senegal recently celebrated a symbolic title win – albeit one contested with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) – at the Stade de France in a friendly against Peru, a celebration following their Africa Cup of Nations success that was later awarded to Morocco. However, Thiaw’s focus is now firmly on preparation, and he’s identified Norway as a team to watch closely.
“The Norwegian team doesn’t necessitate an introduction, especially with the players they have on the international scene today,” Thiaw stated in a press conference Monday. “I think it’s an excellent team, and for me, at the moment, it’s even the best team in Europe. They are showing exceptionally good things, even though they lost their last match without their two stars.”
Norway recently suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands, a match in which star players Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard were absent. Despite the loss, Thiaw remains impressed by the Scandinavian side’s overall quality. This assessment comes as Senegal prepares for a busy schedule of friendlies leading up to the World Cup, including a match against Gambia on Tuesday.
Thiaw’s comments are notable given the anticipation surrounding France, led by Kylian Mbappé, as one of the tournament favorites. The French team showcased their prowess during a recent North American tour, securing victories over Brazil (2-1) and Colombia (3-1). However, Thiaw appears less concerned with the reigning World Cup finalists than with the rising threat posed by Norway.
The Senegal manager acknowledged Mbappé’s talent, stating, “Kylian is a very great player, when Kylian speaks, we listen. He knows football, he expresses himself very well.” However, he emphasized that Senegal’s ambition extends beyond simply competing with France. “We are going to the World Cup to exist, not just to play against France, but to exist,” Thiaw declared.
Pape Thiaw, born in Dakar, Senegal in 1981, has had a distinguished career in football, both as a player and a manager. He played as a forward for several clubs across Europe, including stints in France, Switzerland, and Spain, as well as a loan period with Dynamo Moscow. He also represented the Senegal national team, participating in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and scoring five goals for his country. His managerial career began in 2018, and he has since led Senegal, initially as an assistant, and now as head coach.
Senegal’s path at the 2026 World Cup begins on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against France. They will then face Norway, followed by a match against the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Iraq and Bolivia. Thiaw has indicated his team will play four additional preparatory matches before facing Norway, aiming to fine-tune their strategy and build momentum for the tournament.
The upcoming matches will be crucial for Senegal as they aim to develop a significant impact on the world stage. Thiaw’s assessment of Norway as the top European team underscores the competitive landscape awaiting them in Group I and highlights the importance of thorough preparation. The Lions of Teranga will need to be at their best to navigate a challenging group and advance to the knockout stages.
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Group I, and the clash between Senegal and Norway is shaping up to be a particularly intriguing encounter. Thiaw’s bold statement adds another layer of anticipation to a tournament already brimming with excitement.
Next Up: Senegal will face Gambia in a friendly match on Tuesday as part of their World Cup preparations. The match will provide another opportunity for Thiaw to assess his squad and refine his tactics before the tournament begins in June.
