Senegal is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their fourth appearance on the world's biggest stage. After a successful qualifying campaign, the Lions of Teranga are hoping to make a significant impact in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Best Players

Senegal boasts a talented squad with a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. Here are some of the key players to watch:

• Sadio Mané: The Al-Nassr forward is a household name in world football and is Senegal's all-time top goalscorer. At 33 years old, the 2026 World Cup is likely his last dance at the international level.
• Kalidou Koulibaly: The experienced center-back brings leadership and defensive prowess to the team. Koulibaly, who plays for Al-Hilal, is considered one of the best defenders in the world.
• Edouard Mendy: The Al-Ahli goalkeeper is a reliable presence between the posts and a crucial part of Senegal's defensive stability.
• Pape Matar Sarr: The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is a rising star, bringing energy and creativity to the midfield.
• Ismaila Sarr: The Crystal Palace winger adds pace and flair to the attack.
• Iliman Ndiaye: The Everton forward is another exciting young talent who can make a difference.

Possible Roster

While the final squad is yet to be confirmed, here is a potential roster based on recent selections:

• Goalkeepers: Yehvann Diouf (Nice), Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Le Havre).
• Defenders: Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Antoine Mendy (Nice), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United).
• Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur), Rassoul Ndiaye (Le Havre), Pape Gueye (Villarreal).
• Forwards: Boulaye Dia (Lazio), Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton).

World Cup History

Senegal has a relatively short but memorable World Cup history.

• 2002 World Cup (South Korea/Japan): Senegal made a sensational debut, reaching the quarter-finals. They famously defeated defending champions France 1-0 in the opening match, a major upset. They progressed from their group and beat Sweden in the round of 16 before losing to Turkey in extra time.
• 2018 World Cup (Russia): Senegal returned to the World Cup after a 16-year absence. They won their opening match against Poland but drew with Japan and lost to Colombia. They were eliminated in the group stage due to the fair play rule, the first team in World Cup history to be eliminated by this tiebreaker.
• 2022 World Cup (Qatar): Senegal qualified for their third World Cup. They progressed to the round of 16 after wins against Qatar and Ecuador. They were defeated by England in the round of 16.

Expectations for 2026

Senegal is aiming to build on their past World Cup experiences and make a deeper run in the tournament. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, they have the potential to be a dark horse in the competition. The Lions of Teranga are determined to make their mark and become the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.