World Cup 2026: "We shouldn't envy anyone" – Pape Thiaw salutes African football

01.07.26 AET World Cup

Belgium

3

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Senegal

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For the first time ever, 9 out of 10 African teams have qualified for the round of 16 at the World Cup. Pape Thiaw sees this as clear proof of progress and congratulates the Democratic Republic of Congo for claiming Africa’s tenth spot through the intercontinental playoff.

"I believe Africa has shown today that when it gets opportunities, it makes the most of them. Usually, we’ve had just 5 teams at the World Cup. Today, we have 10. And in the round of 16, there are 9 African sides. We shouldn’t envy anyone. I think the work being done is excellent," said the Senegal coach.

Pape Thiaw also praises local development and national talent

When we see African national teams being coached by people from the continent, it means we have received quality training. We have the human resources and outstanding players. So African teams deserve to be congratulated.

Special tribute to the Democratic Republic of Congo!

Pape Thiaw sent a special congratulatory message to the DR Congo Leopards, who clinched Africa’s tenth World Cup berth in the playoff against Jamaica.

I also want to congratulate the Democratic Republic of Congo, who went out and secured qualification from elsewhere to become Africa’s tenth representative.

Even though Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa exited the tournament at the round of 16, African football has shone brightly and is now competing with the world’s elite.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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