Tom Saintfiet aims to lead Mali to their first FIFA World Cup in 2026, focusing on improving their fourth-place standing in qualifying Group I. The team has an unbeaten record in 2025 Afcon qualifiers and features notable players. Upcoming matches are crucial for maintaining their hopes of qualification, with Saintfiet stressing the importance of team cohesion.
Tom Saintfiet, the coach of Mali’s national football team, aspires to “write history” by leading his team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Currently, Mali stands fourth in Group I, trailing four points behind leaders Comoros and second-placed Ghana after four qualifying matches in the ten-game campaign. With only the group winners guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, Saintfiet faces a crucial pair of matches against Comoros on March 20 and the Central African Republic four days later.
Saintfiet expressed his deep ambition to reach the World Cup, stating, “My dream and ambition as a coach is always to go to the World Cup.” Despite Mali’s current unfavorable position, he remains optimistic about winning all six remaining matches to secure qualification. Previously, Mali narrowly missed qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, losing to Tunisia by a single goal on aggregate in the play-offs.
Since taking over from Eric Chelle, who was at the helm during a faltering qualifying campaign, Saintfiet has guided Mali to an unbeaten start in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, finishing top of their group. Reflecting on his arrival, he noted, “When I came the atmosphere was not so good,” emphasizing his need for a quick turnaround.
Mali showcased their potential in the 2023 Afcon, reaching the quarter-finals, only to lose to hosts Ivory Coast in a dramatic extra-time finish. With talented players like Spurs’ Yves Bissouma and RB Salzburg’s Nene Dorgeles, Saintfiet’s primary challenge lies in forming a cohesive team. He acknowledged the abundance of talent, remarking, “It’s a big luxury to have so many quality players. It’s not selecting the best players, it’s selecting the best team.”
After the March fixtures, the remaining four group matches are scheduled for September and October. The four best-ranked second-placed teams from all groups will proceed to the play-offs, offering one African side a final opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted in North America.
Tom Saintfiet is focused on leading Mali to their first World Cup appearance in 2026, despite currently being in a tough qualifying group. With a strong squad and an unbeaten record in the run-up to Afcon, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork over individual talent. The upcoming matches are critical for Mali, with the goal of winning all six qualifiers to keep their World Cup hopes alive as they strive to write their own football history.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
