The Senegalese Football Federation has unveiled its 28-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring seasoned stars and rising talents. Among the standout names are Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, both returning despite recent injury concerns. Head coach Pape Thiaw expressed confidence in the team’s depth and ambition as they prepare for a challenging tournament in North America.
a balanced team ready for the ultimate challenge
Pape Thiaw emphasized the squad’s balance, highlighting the inclusion of young talents like Lamine Camara (Monaco), Assane Diao (Como), and Bamba Dieng, who delivered strong performances in Ligue 1. “This is a well-crafted group capable of meeting the demands of a grueling World Cup campaign,” he stated during the official announcement.
group stage draw: Senegal faces France in opening match
The Lions of Teranga will kick off their campaign on June 16 against a formidable French side led by Kylian Mbappé. This clash marks a historic rematch, as Senegal defeated France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, a result that remains one of the tournament’s most iconic upsets.
“We have three opponents, not just France,” Thiaw noted. “The group includes Norway and Iraq, both of which demand full concentration. While our history with France is significant, this is not a match with special meaning for me—every game will be treated equally.”
complete squad breakdown
Goalkeepers (3): Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahly), Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)
Defenders (9): Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Krépin Diatta (Monaco), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC)
Midfielders (6): Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)
Forwards (10): Sadio Mané (Al Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace), Chérif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz), Ibrahima Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Assane Diao (Como)
