2026 World Cup: Senegal Must Be Error-Free Against Norway – Pape Thiaw

Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has warned that his side cannot afford another slip-up when they face Norway in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I clash at MetLife Stadium.

Naija News reports that Lions of Teranga head into the encounter under pressure after suffering a 3-1 defeat to France in their opening match. Thiaw described the showdown with Norway as a “final”, stressing that anything less than a positive result could jeopardise Senegal’s qualification hopes.

Norway are going into the game in a confident mood following a 4-1 win over Iraq, with star striker Erling Haaland scoring twice.

Despite Haaland’s reputation and current form, Thiaw insisted that Senegal’s focus would be on the collective threat posed by Norway, rather than on one player.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

The Senegal coach also dismissed suggestions that his side would deploy a specific plan to stop Haaland.

“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,” the coach said.

“We have top-level defenders who have played in very high-level competitions and have had to face strikers of this calibre.

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