Senegal suffered a second consecutive defeat in the 2026 World Cup, losing to Norway (3-2). This setback puts the Lions of Teranga in a tricky situation, with their qualification now depending on more than just their own results. Before the final group stage match, the Senegalese must react quickly to keep their slim hopes alive.
After the match, Ismail Jakobs voiced the team’s frustration while calling for a collective response in the last game. The Senegalese defender acknowledged the limitations his team showed but stressed the need to focus on the next steps in the tournament. “Everyone is disappointed. We could have done better, for sure. We will go for it in the next match,” the Senegalese full-back told Taggat in the mixed zone.
Despite this negative trend, the Senegalese player refuses to see the situation as hopeless.
He highlights the cohesion of a group made up of both experienced players and young talents still learning at the highest level. According to him, this blend can still spark a turnaround in the final outing, provided they correct the mistakes made since the tournament began. “We have many experienced players and young ones. We have a good mix. We fought hard to get here. We waited a long time too. We will give our best to not let things end like this.”
Defensively, Senegal continues to struggle, having already conceded six goals in two matches. This is unusual for a team known for its solidity in big games. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, often seen as the backbone of the defense, has underperformed, making mistakes that impacted the results of the last two matches. This situation fuels criticism and raises questions about the overall balance of the team.
In light of these observations, Ismail Jakobs defended his captain and downplayed individual responsibilities for the team’s struggles. He emphasized the collective nature of their performances, refusing to single out any player. “Koulibaly is an important player for us. Everyone makes mistakes. In the end, it’s the team that loses, not just one person. I think he is experienced enough to keep his head up. As a team, it’s not anyone’s fault, it’s the whole team.”
World Cup 2026 – Ismail Jakobs comes to the rescue of his captain “It’s not anyone’s fault, it’s the whole team”! https://t.co/FvS2gzgujw pic.twitter.com/zyQLL1oxwK
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) June 23, 2026
With an attack capable of scoring but a struggling defense, Senegal finds itself in a fragile position ahead of its final group match. The team must win to hope to stay in the competition, while also improving its goal difference, a factor that could prove decisive in determining the best third-placed teams.
In this context, Pape Thiaw’s men approach their last match with a must-win mentality. With the pressure of results and the need to rebalance their game, the Lions of Teranga are now fighting for their survival in the tournament.
