Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is preparing to experience one of the most significant moments of his football career when his side opens its FIFA World Cup campaign against France on Tuesday, more than two decades after witnessing Senegal’s historic victory over the same opponent from the substitutes’ bench.
The Group I clash at MetLife Stadium revives one of the most memorable upsets in World Cup history. In 2002, tournament debutants Senegal stunned defending champions France 1-0 in Seoul, a result that ultimately contributed to Les Bleus’ shock elimination in the group stage without scoring a goal.
While Thiaw was unable to play in that famous encounter because of injury, he watched from the sidelines as his teammates produced one of African football’s defining performances. Twenty-four years later, he returns to the same fixture in a very different role.
“Tomorrow I will be on the bench and it’s a bit special,” Thiaw told reporters on Monday through an interpreter. “I was also on the bench in 2002 because I could not play and tomorrow I will be on the bench too but I will be given the keys.”
The former striker believes Senegal no longer enters major tournaments as an outsider capable only of producing occasional surprises. Instead, he argues that African football has evolved into a consistent force capable of challenging the world’s traditional powers.
Senegal’s confidence reflects broader progress across the continent. Morocco’s remarkable run to the World Cup semifinals four years ago demonstrated that African teams can compete with football’s elite, while Senegal has established itself as one of the continent’s most consistent performers by qualifying for three consecutive World Cups.
“African football has changed a lot in recent years. We saw it at the last World Cup,” Thiaw said. “It’s not a surprise anymore. Is it a surprise if Senegal beats France? Well, no, because we have world-class players.”
Despite being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year following a controversial ruling, Senegal arrives in the United States determined to reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s leading football nations. Thiaw said his entire squad is available for selection, giving him a full complement of players ahead of the crucial opener.
The coach repeatedly declined opportunities to discuss political issues surrounding the tournament, insisting his focus remained firmly on football. Nevertheless, politics has inevitably formed part of the backdrop to Senegal’s preparations.
Earlier this month, video footage showing Senegal’s players undergoing additional screening by U.S. airport security circulated widely on social media, prompting debate about their treatment upon arrival. Senegal’s football federation subsequently sought to calm speculation by rejecting suggestions that the squad had faced discriminatory treatment.
Questions have also emerged regarding the absence of many Senegalese supporters after media reports indicated that visa applications from fans were affected by travel restrictions imposed by the United States.
Asked whether the lack of traveling supporters could affect his team, Thiaw acknowledged the disappointment but expressed confidence that Senegal’s large diaspora in America would create a strong atmosphere inside the stadium.
“Of course we would like to have our fans. We know what they can do for us,” he said. “But we have a major Senegalese community here and we know the Senegalese are very patriotic. You will see this tomorrow. You won’t even believe that no Senegalese came over from Senegal.”
For France, Tuesday’s encounter inevitably brings back memories of one of the nation’s most painful World Cup defeats. Although Les Bleus have since won another World Cup title and remained among international football’s strongest teams, the opening loss to Senegal in 2002 continues to serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by well-organized African opposition.
Senegal, meanwhile, sees the match as another opportunity to demonstrate its growth on the global stage. Unlike the team that shocked the football world 24 years ago, today’s squad enters the tournament with genuine expectations rather than the freedom of being overlooked.
Victory against France would provide another landmark result in Senegalese football history while placing the Lions of Teranga in a commanding position ahead of their remaining Group I matches against Norway and Iraq.
Regardless of the outcome, Tuesday’s contest symbolizes both how far Senegal has progressed since that famous afternoon in 2002 and how significantly African football has strengthened within the international game. For Thiaw, who watched history unfold from the bench as a player, the chance to guide his country from the technical area represents the completion of a remarkable personal journey.
