Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw insists the Lions of Teranga are still alive in the World Cup despite a second straight defeat.

Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw remains hopeful that his side can still salvage their World Cup campaign despite suffering a second consecutive defeat, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The Lions of Teranga entered the tournament as one of Africa’s strongest contenders but have endured a disappointing start in Group I.

Following a 3-1 loss to France in their opening fixture, Senegal fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Norway on Monday.

Reflecting on the result, Thiaw admitted his team had been tested by a highly efficient Norwegian side. He praised their opponents while acknowledging that the timing of the goals Senegal conceded made the task significantly more difficult.

“I think it was a difficult game against a very strong Norwegian team,” Thiaw said after the match. “They put us under pressure and were very efficient. We conceded goals at the worst possible moments, just before halftime and immediately after the restart.”

Despite the setback, the Senegal coach was keen to lift the spirits of his squad. He urged his players not to become discouraged, stressing that they had entered the match hoping to claim all three points but ultimately came up short against a clinical opponent.

Norway go through to the knockouts! 👏#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 23, 2026

The defeat means both France and Norway have secured qualification to the Round of 32 with six points each. Senegal, meanwhile, remain without a point and now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.

Their only realistic path forward is through one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots. To keep those hopes alive, Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group match in Toronto and hope results elsewhere work in their favour.

Thiaw remains determined to fight until the end. While admitting his side are in a difficult position, he rejected suggestions that Senegal’s campaign is already over.

The coach pointed out that the team still has a chance to advance and believes everything must now be focused on securing victory in the final group game.

🔚 Fin du match au MetLife Stadium. Nos Lions s’inclinent 3-2 face à la Norvège. Il reste un dernier rendez-vous dans cette phase de groupes : vendredi à Toronto contre l’Irak. pic.twitter.com/gAHyc6FmW1

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) June 23, 2026

“We’re not dead,” Thiaw insisted. “It’s true that we’re not in a good position, and it’s the first time Senegal have started a World Cup with two defeats. But we still have a chance. We need to win our final match, hope the results go our way, and if we reach the next round, a completely new tournament begins.”