Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has challenged his players to deliver a flawless performance when they take on Norway in a crucial Group I fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga head into the match knowing that another setback could seriously damage their hopes of reaching the knockout stage after opening their campaign with a 3 to 1 defeat to France.
Speaking ahead of the encounter at MetLife Stadium, Thiaw described the game as a must win, stressing that his team no longer has room for mistakes if they want to remain in the tournament.
Norway will enter the contest with confidence after a convincing 4 to 1 victory over Iraq in their opening match, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring twice to underline his excellent form.
Despite Haaland’s impressive reputation, the Senegal coach insisted that his side would not build its strategy around stopping one player alone. Instead, the focus will be on dealing with the overall threat posed by the Norwegian team.
“It is going to be a difficult match, but we have prepared very well. We have studied Norway carefully to understand both their strengths and their weaknesses,” Thiaw told reporters.
“This is a very important game for us. It is like a final because we know that another negative result could end our hopes of reaching the next round. Norway is a strong team with plenty of attacking quality and physical strength.
“We knew from the beginning that we were placed in a difficult group. Every match is like a final. We made mistakes against France, but we still have two opportunities to put things right. From now on, we cannot afford another slip.”
Thiaw also revealed that every member of his squad is fully fit and motivated ahead of the decisive encounter.
“Everyone is healthy, eager to give everything on the pitch and make our country proud. The players are ready, and so is the team.”
Addressing questions about Haaland, the Senegal manager dismissed suggestions that his side would adopt a special tactical approach focused solely on the Manchester City striker.
“Erling does not need any introduction. He is one of the best strikers in the game, but we will not have an anti Haaland plan. We will have an anti Norway plan,” he said.
“We have experienced defenders who have competed at the highest level and have faced top class forwards before. Of course, when you come up against a player as clinical as Haaland, you must stay alert. Even so, our main objective is to deal with Norway as a team and secure the points we need.”
