It wasn’t supposed to end up like this.
Senegal entered their fourth FIFA World Cup determined to go further than they did in 2002, when they reached the quarter-finals in their debut appearance at the tournament.
However, they are still without a single point after two matches and are now on the brink of a group-stage exit. They must beat Iraq on Friday to keep alive any hope of advancing to the Round of 32.
Senegal’s World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by a series of internal problems within the team.
Disputes over bonuses and player payments, a last-minute change of the team’s chef, and complaints about the food dominated preparations ahead of their opening matches.
In addition, uncertainty surrounding head coach Pape Thiaw’s contract has raised concerns about the extent to which off-field issues may be affecting the team’s performances on the pitch.
So, what exactly is going on?
“There are several shortcomings”
The players and coaching staff are staying at the four-star Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey, rather than the five-star Fairmont Palace Hotel in Tangier, where they were accommodated during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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