In New Brunswick, New Jersey, the Senegalese national team resumed training on Tuesday, the day after their defeat to Norway (2-3). This result complicates their situation in Group I of the 2026 World Cup. The loss puts the Lions of Teranga in a tricky position ahead of the final matchday, where they can’t afford any mistakes if they want to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
This training session took place under special circumstances, marked by several notable absences. Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr, and Pape Gueye were rested and remained in treatment, as part of a physical management strategy after particularly intense matches since the tournament began. The coaching staff prioritized caution to avoid worsening any potential injuries, especially with a decisive match approaching for the Lions’ survival in the competition.
Édouard Mendy’s situation is also a major concern. The Senegalese goalkeeper injured his left knee during the match against Norway and underwent medical examinations that confirmed a need for rest. According to the Senegalese Football Federation, the starting keeper is expected to miss the match against Iraq, a tough blow for the team at such a crucial moment. His absence forces the staff to rethink their plans in a key area, as defensive stability will be crucial in a high-pressure match.
Despite these absences, the rest of the squad continued their work on the field. The available players went through tactical exercises and game sequences aimed at preparing for the decisive match against Iraq. The focus was on defensive organization, ball control, and offensive efficiency, three aspects deemed essential for hoping to achieve a positive result. The coaching staff is working to keep the group focused and avoid any mental distractions after the previous defeat.
Senegal is now preparing for a must-win match, scheduled for Friday at 19:00 GMT in Toronto, Canada. This match will be crucial for their future in the competition. With zero points after two matches, the Lions sit in third place in Group I, behind France, Norway, and Iraq. The margin for error is now nonexistent, and only a victory can keep their qualification hopes alive.
In this context, Kalidou Koulibaly’s teammates must win, ideally by a significant goal margin. A victory could keep them in the running for a spot among the best third-placed teams, the only possible route to the knockout stage in this expanded format with 48 teams. However, their fate will not depend solely on their performance but also on results from other groups, making the situation even more uncertain.
⚽️ The day after their defeat to Norway, the Lions of Senegal returned to training. Between recovery for the starters and a more intense session for the substitutes, the group is already preparing for the next challenge. Édouard Mendy, Pape Gueye, Ismaïla… pic.twitter.com/Z7PLORnQYC
— RTS SENEGAL (@RTS1_Senegal) June 23, 2026
Senegal approaches this final match in a position of great fragility, but with one last chance to seize. The team is now backed against the wall and must show great collective mastery to hope to continue their World Cup journey. With physical constraints, significant absences, and the need for results, the Lions face a major challenge that will determine the next steps in their World Cup campaign.
