A cornerstone of the Senegalese defense for several years, Kalidou Koulibaly is having a particularly tough time at the 2026 World Cup. He arrived at the tournament after a two-month injury layoff, and the central defender has yet to find his best form. Expected to be one of the natural leaders of the Lions, he has struggled to assert his usual authority in duels and in building play, which has weakened his team’s defensive balance from the very first matches of the tournament.
Against France, and especially against Norway, the situation became even more concerning. Senegal suffered two consecutive defeats, during which the defense was regularly put under pressure. In the match against the Scandinavians, Koulibaly was directly involved in several decisive actions, with mistakes leading to three goals conceded. This performance intensified the criticism and pushed the coaching staff to reconsider their options for the rest of the group stage.
Under pressure to respond after this disappointing start, Pape Thiaw made a bold decision for the third match against Iraq. The coach chose to leave his captain on the bench, opting for a different central defensive pairing, notably starting Abdoulaye Seck. This choice was primarily driven by the need for better collective balance, especially since Senegal had to win to keep their hopes alive in the competition.
When asked about this decision, Pape Thiaw emphasized the collective aspect and the player’s status within the group. He stated, as reported by Belgian media Rtbf: “He is a pillar in this team, and we know that. But we felt we needed to put someone else in. He is the captain, and we know what he represents, but we thought about the collective. He is also behind the group and the team. There is no problem.” This statement aimed to calm interpretations around a potential long-term sidelining and to remind everyone of the staff’s respect for their captain.
This reorganization paid off, with a resounding 5-0 victory against Iraq, reigniting the Lions’ campaign. As they approach the round of 16 against Belgium, the question of Koulibaly’s return to the starting eleven remains open. However, given the current dynamics, the defender might once again start on the bench, as the coaching staff prioritizes defensive stability and continuity of the system that worked in the last match.
Pape Thiaw :
"Koulibaly’s situation? I prefer to talk collectively. But it’s true that we have a medical staff and a technical staff that monitor the players, and we deemed Koulibaly fit to play these matches.
At a moment when the team was under pressure and we know…
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) June 25, 2026
