Tom Saintfiet, coach of Mali’s national football team, is focused on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mali sits fourth in Group I but aims to win all upcoming matches. Previous close calls and a talent-rich squad present both opportunities and challenges for Saintfiet as he looks to build cohesion and improve performances. The final four group games will unfold in September and October, with playoffs ahead for a chance at World Cup qualification.
Tom Saintfiet, the head coach of Mali’s national football team, is determined to lead the team towards a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Currently positioned fourth in Group I, Mali is four points behind leaders Comoros and second-placed Ghana after four matches in their qualifying campaign. With only the group winners guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, Saintfiet’s immediate goal is to enhance the team’s performance in their upcoming matches against Comoros on March 20 and the Central African Republic four days later.
Saintfiet professes, “My dream and ambition as a coach is always to go to the World Cup.” Despite the team’s current standings, he remains optimistic about their chances. He aims to win all six remaining games to advance toward World Cup qualification. Previously, Mali narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, falling to Tunisia on aggregate.
Upon taking over from Eric Chelle last August, Saintfiet has led the team through an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Mali successfully topped their group with four wins and two draws, showing significant improvement in performance. Reflecting on his initial assessments of the team, he stated, “When I came the atmosphere was not so good,” emphasizing the necessity for immediate changes.
The squad boasts talented players such as Yves Bissouma, Nene Dorgeles, and Lassine Sinayoko, which presents both advantages and challenges in selecting an effective lineup. Saintfiet remarked, “It’s a big luxury to have so many quality players,” while underscoring the importance of building cohesion among them. Their next competitive matchups include two home games and four on the road, leading up to playoffs for potential advancement to the World Cup.
Following the March fixtures, the final matches will be played in September and October. The best-ranked four second-placed teams from the groups will advance to playoffs, offering one African team a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup set to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
In summary, Tom Saintfiet’s leadership and vision for Mali’s national football team aim to achieve historic success in their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With optimism and a strategic approach, Saintfiet believes in his squad’s potential to overcome current group challenges, utilizing their quality players to establish a cohesive team dynamic. The next crucial matches will be pivotal in determining Mali’s qualification journey.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
