Tom Saintfiet, coach of Mali’s national football team, seeks to lead the country to their first FIFA World Cup qualification in 2026. Currently positioned fourth in Group I, Mali will strive for victories against Comoros and the Central African Republic. The team showcases talented players and aims to build cohesion to enhance their performance in upcoming qualifiers.
Tom Saintfiet, the coach of Mali, aspires to rejuvenate the country’s ambitions of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Mali national team, known as the Eagles, currently ranks fourth in Group I, trailing the leaders Comoros and Ghana by four points after four qualifying matches. Only the leading group teams secure direct qualification, yet Saintfiet believes that winning all six upcoming matches is feasible as the Eagles prepare to compete against Comoros and the Central African Republic.
Saintfiet expressed his eternal dream of reaching the World Cup, stating that, despite their current position, he maintains optimism about their chances. The strategic perspective involves aiming for victories in all remaining group games to improve their standing. The determination is fueled by the memory of narrowly missing out on the 2022 World Cup after an aggregate loss to Tunisia in the playoff stage.
Since taking over from Eric Chelle last August, Saintfiet had guided Mali through an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), showing promise by leading the team to victory in their group. Upon his appointment, he noted challenges due to the prior performance of the World Cup qualifiers but has managed to cultivate a resilient team culture, achieving significant improvements in morale and performance.
Mali’s squad boasts highly talented players such as Yves Bissouma and Nene Dorgeles, which presents both opportunities and challenges for Saintfiet. His focus is on formulating a cohesive team rather than merely selecting the most talented individuals. With an abundance of skillful athletes available, he faces the critical task of creating a balanced starting eleven that can triumph in the upcoming qualifiers.
Looking forward, Mali’s schedule comprises two home matches and four away games. Following these fixtures, the best-ranked second-place teams across all groups will participate in playoffs to secure a final opportunity for African teams aspiring to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
In conclusion, Tom Saintfiet aims to lead Mali’s national football team to unprecedented success in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. His strategy involves maximizing the talents within the squad while navigating the challenges of group dynamics. With a rigorous approach and a commitment to victory, the team’s ambition remains high as they prepare for crucial matches ahead, seeking to transform their historical aspirations into reality.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
