For the coach of Senegal, France’s future opponent at the World Cup, Norway is the “best European team”

For Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, the France team is not the best selection in Group I of the 2026 World Cup. While the Blues impressed the competition during their American tour, Pape Thiaw does not fear Didier Deschamps’ training as much as the other known nation in their group. In North America next summer, the Teranga Lions will challenge France in the group stage, but especially Norway.

“The Norwegian team needs no introduction, especially with the players that the Norwegians have today on the international scene,” said the Senegalese coach at a press conference. I think it’s an excellent team, for me at the moment it’s even the best European team. She shows very good things, even if she lost her last match without her two stars. »

Indeed, the Scandinavians lost to the Netherlands (2-1) on Friday in the absence of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. This setback did not prevent Thiaw from praising the Norwegians, while he was a few days earlier on the pitch at the Stade de France.

“Kylian, a very great player”

Senegal celebrated the title acquired on the field during the 2025 African Cup of Nations – from which it was dismissed by CAF in favor of Morocco – during a friendly match against Peru (2-0). The Senegalese coach, however, recalled that his team must play four matches before facing the Norwegians.

Before Haaland and company, it will be a question of meeting the France team. Kylian Mbappé had also said in substance that it would be a question of not underestimating the Lions. “Kylian is a very great player, when Kylian speaks, we listen to him. He knows football, he expresses himself very well, underlined Thiaw. We go to the World Cup to exist, not just to play against France, but to exist. »