Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has sparked debate ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by declaring Norway the strongest team in Europe, placing them above established football powers such as France, Spain and Germany.
The remarks came as Senegal continue their preparations for the tournament, buoyed by a 2-0 victory over Peru. While the immediate focus for the Lions of Teranga is their upcoming fixture against Gambia, Thiaw used a pre-match press conference to look further ahead, highlighting what he believes will be one of the key challenges at the global competition.
Speaking candidly about Norway, the Senegalese coach offered a glowing assessment of the Scandinavian side’s current form and potential. “I think they are an excellent team. For me, right now they are even the best team in Europe. They are showing some very good things,” he said.
Thiaw’s comments are notable given the historical dominance of Europe’s traditional football heavyweights. France, Spain and Germany have long been considered among the continent’s elite, regularly competing for major international honours. However, the Senegal coach’s view suggests a shift in perception, with Norway emerging as a team to watch closely.
Despite Norway’s recent 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands, Thiaw was quick to point out mitigating circumstances. The loss came in the absence of several key players, a factor he appears to believe does not reflect the team’s true strength. His assessment indicates confidence that Norway’s overall quality remains intact and could pose a significant threat at the World Cup.
Senegal themselves are entering the tournament with momentum, following their victory over Peru. The result has added to growing optimism within the squad as they aim to build on recent successes and make a strong impact on the global stage. However, Thiaw’s remarks underline that his attention is not limited to immediate fixtures, but also on the broader competitive landscape they will face.
The group stage of the 2026 tournament is already shaping up to be highly competitive, and Thiaw’s comments have added further intrigue.
By singling out Norway as Europe’s standout team, he has effectively raised expectations around their performances while also signalling the level of preparation required from his own side.
For Senegal, balancing short-term objectives with long-term ambitions will be key. Their upcoming match against Gambia remains an important step in their preparations, but the coach’s forward-looking perspective suggests a clear awareness of the challenges that lie ahead.
As anticipation builds towards the World Cup, Thiaw’s bold statement is likely to fuel discussion among fans and analysts alike. Whether Norway can live up to such high praise remains to be seen, but the Senegal coach has made it clear that he considers them a leading force in European football at present.
