Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has insisted his side will not take Iraq lightly as they face a make-or-break FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I encounter in Toronto on Friday.

Back-to-back losses against France and Norway have left the Teranga Lions on the brink of elimination. Thiaw has described the match as a final, warning that defeat would end Senegal's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.

Thiaw calls for tactical changes and collective resolve

Speaking to reporters ahead of the fixture, Thiaw acknowledged the pressure his team faces after consecutive defeats — particularly for a side regarded as one of the tournament's favourites entering the competition.