The Lions of Teranga's aspirations of progression to the Round of 32 hang precariously in the balance as they look to win the match in order to stand a chance of finishing as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the 12 groups.
However, coach Thiaw believes a victory against Iraq will be enough to push the Senegalese into the next round of the tournament.
"The team is hungry for more. It is important for the nation," said Thiaw to reporters.
"We're actually playing a sort of a final tomorrow with Senegal and Iraq, because, if you want to stay in the competition, we need to win this game. The team needs the fans to secure the qualification.
"I know we were supposed to be one of the top contenders, but now we need to wake up. There is no room for mistakes anymore."
Senegal currently sits in third spot of Group I without a point after losses to France and Norway ahead of Friday's clash against Iraq at the Toronto Stadium in Canada.
The African side currently lie in 12th spot on the best third placed teams table and will have to win and hope other results in other groups results go their way in order to advance to the next round.
