Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Senegal made their debut at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and immediately produced one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, defeating reigning champions France 1-0 in the group stage. They went on to reach the quarter-finals, where they lost to Turkey via a golden goal in extra time, matching Cameroon's 1990 achievement as only the second African nation to reach that stage. Senegal's second World Cup appearance came in 2018 in Russia, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Japan on fair play points, a first in World Cup history. They qualified again for 2022 in Qatar but were knocked out in the round of 16 by England. The 2026 tournament is their fourth World Cup appearance.

Qualification

Senegal qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing as winners of CAF Group B, ending the campaign unbeaten with 24 points from seven wins and three draws across 10 matches. Their group included DR Congo, Sudan, Mauritania, Togo, and South Sudan. A 4-0 victory over Mauritania in October 2025, in which Sadio Mane scored twice, secured top spot. Head coach Pape Thiaw, who succeeded Aliou Cisse, guided the Teranga Lions through the campaign without a single defeat.

Preparation

Senegal's World Cup ended in the Round of 32 on July 1 in Seattle: they led Belgium 2-0 (Diarra 24', Sarr 51') before Belgium fought back through Lukaku (86') and Tielemans (89'), then won it with a controversial 120+5' Tielemans penalty (3-2 AET) after VAR judged a foul by Lamine Camara on Tielemans. The squad returned to Dakar on July 5. On July 11 the FSF Executive Committee voted to terminate head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff following the elimination; the termination was formally announced July 12, with FSF president Abdoulaye Fall citing the need to 'open a new cycle' and pledging a reorganisation of the national selections. No successor had been named as of July 13.

Latest news

FSF president Abdoulaye Fall confirms Thiaw's exit, no successor named yet

· coach

At a press conference at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, FSF president Abdoulaye Fall praised the Lions' preparation conditions in the US, addressed rumours around the elimination, and confirmed the executive committee terminated Pape Thiaw's contract after evaluating the team's World Cup performance, aiming to 'open a new cycle' for Senegalese football. No replacement coach was announced.

FSF terminates Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff after World Cup elimination

· coach

Following a July 11 Executive Committee meeting, the FSF announced on July 12 the termination of head coach Pape Thiaw and his whole technical staff, citing the Round of 32 elimination by Belgium and an evaluation of results and prospects 'in the higher interests of Senegalese football'. FSF president Abdoulaye Fall was mandated to notify Thiaw officially and to reorganise the national selections.

Senegal eliminated by Belgium 3-2 after extra time on controversial late penalty

· matches

Senegal led Belgium 2-0 in the Round of 32 in Seattle (Diarra 24', Sarr 51') but Belgium equalised late through Lukaku (86') and Tielemans (89'), then won it in extra time when Tielemans converted a penalty at 120+5' after a lengthy VAR review of a Lamine Camara foul on him, the latest winning goal in World Cup history. Senegal's tournament ended in the Round of 32.

Senegal to face Belgium in Round of 32 on July 1 at Lumen Field, Seattle

· general

Senegal qualified for the World Cup Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will face Group G winners Belgium at Lumen Field, Seattle on July 1, 2026 (1pm local / 4pm ET). The winner advances to a potential Round of 16 clash against the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two nations.

Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq 5-0 to advance to Round of 32 as best third-placed team

· matches

Senegal beat Iraq 5-0 at BMO Field, Toronto, June 26 (Group I MD3). Habib Diarra scored 4' from a corner. Iraq went to 10 men (13'), Rebin Sulaka red-carded for denying Mané a clear goal. Ismaïla Sarr (56'), sub Pape Gueye (59', 71') and Iliman Ndiaye (82') completed it. Senegal finished 3rd on 3 points, +2 GD, advancing as a top-eight third-placed team. Mory Diaw replaced injured Mendy in goal.

Senegal arrive in Toronto for Iraq decider, hold final training session before departure

· general

The Lions of Teranga arrived in Toronto on June 25 for their must-win final group match against Iraq on June 26 (19:00 GMT, BMO Field). Before leaving New Brunswick, the squad held a final morning session. Only a win combined with favorable third-place results can keep their World Cup alive.

FSF officially rules out Mendy for Iraq; Jackson, Sarr and Pape Gueye also absent from training

· injuries

The FSF confirmed June 24 that Edouard Mendy is out for Iraq due to his left-knee injury vs Norway: 'Suite à une blessure au genou gauche... Edouard Mendy sera indisponible pour le prochain match.' Further examinations ongoing. Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Gueye also missed training. Mory Diaw starts in goal.

Senegal lose 3-2 to Norway in Group I, fall to 0 points with Iraq must-win remaining

· matches

Norway beat Senegal 3-2 on June 22 (Group I). Pedersen 43' (Koulibaly error), Haaland 48' and 58'; Sarr pulled back at 53' and 90+3'. Senegal had 58% possession but conceded three goals. Koulibaly substituted; post-match: 'I made a lot of mistakes.' Senegal on 0 points, must beat Iraq on June 26 at BMO Field Toronto to have any chance of advancing as a best third-placed team.

Edouard Mendy substituted at 63' with left-knee injury vs Norway; fitness for Iraq match uncertain

· injuries

Mendy was withdrawn at 63' vs Norway with a left-knee injury (injured during a jump), replaced by Mory Diaw. Koulibaly confirmed post-match he would undergo medical examinations for a suspected ligament or cartilage injury. Goal.com's pre-Iraq preview (June 23) lists Mendy as expected to start vs Iraq on June 26, suggesting he is not yet officially ruled out.

Senegal camp rocked by unpaid bonuses and unrest, Pape Thiaw still without official contract

· general

Senegal's World Cup camp is troubled by unpaid bonuses from AFCON 2025 and World Cup qualification. Head coach Pape Thiaw has gone months without pay and has not received an official contract. Coaching staff face similar concerns. The squad traveled without a chef, with some players ordering food outside camp; players are also unhappy with accommodation conditions.

Video analyst Abdoulaye Seck joins Pape Thiaw's technical staff for Norway match

· general

Abdoulaye Seck, a CAF B-licensed coach with prior experience as video analyst with Burkina Faso and Mauritania, joined Senegal's technical staff after the France defeat. His appointment, confirmed June 20, aims to reinforce the coaching team's analytical capabilities ahead of the must-win match against Norway.

Pape Thiaw targets no revolution in XI vs Norway: up to three changes from France loss expected

· squad

Thiaw plans a maximum of three changes to the starting lineup that lost 3-1 to France. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Krepin Diatta, I.G. Gueye and Pape Gueye are expected to keep their places. Lamine Camara and Ismaila Sarr may be dropped; Iliman Ndiaye, Ibrahim Mbaye or Habib Diarra could come in. A more offensive 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 with Mane and Jackson upfront is under consideration.

Senegal back in intensive training at Rutgers ahead of must-win Norway clash

· general

Two days after their 1-3 loss to France, Senegal held an intense session at Rutgers University on Thursday. Players showed strong commitment, focused on correcting errors and refining automatisms before Monday's Group I match against Norway on June 22. The coaching staff maintained a positive group atmosphere despite the opening defeat.

Senegal close training to media after France loss, starters do recovery work

· general

The coaching staff closed the training facility completely to the press on Wednesday June 18 as Senegal prepared for Norway. Players who had started against France undertook recovery work while the rest completed indoor sessions. The team's internal message was to turn the page quickly on the France defeat and concentrate on their next objective.

Senegal lose World Cup opener 3-1 to France despite strong first half

· matches

France beat Senegal 3-1 in Group I at MetLife Stadium on June 16. Senegal dominated the first half but France pulled clear through Mbappe (66') and Barcola (82'). Mbaye reduced it to 2-1 in 90+5' before Mbappe sealed 3-1 in 90+6'. Senegal xG was 0.53 vs France's 1.79. Mane, Jackson and Sarr all started; Koulibaly captained from the back.

Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, becomes youngest African scorer in World Cup history with France consolation

· squad

PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye (18 years, 143 days) scored in 90+5' vs France, becoming the youngest African player to score at a FIFA World Cup. He surpassed Moussa Wague (19y 263d, Senegal vs Japan 2018). Mbaye came on in the 75th minute and converted a rapid counter-attack, assisted by Iliman Ndiaye.

Pape Thiaw: 'immense regrets' after Senegal defeat - could have led 2-0 at half-time

· general

Pape Thiaw expressed immense frustration after the 1-3 loss, saying his side 'could have been leading 2-0' at half-time. He attributed the defeat to defensive lapses and simple ball-loss errors and emphasised the need to 'remobilise' for Norway and Iraq. Pape Gueye added: 'I don't know what went wrong, we did good things in the game.'

Senegal drop one place to 15th in June 2026 FIFA rankings after mixed warm-up results

· general

The June 11, 2026 FIFA rankings update moved Senegal down one position, from 14th to 15th globally, following their two World Cup preparation matches: a 3-2 loss to the United States and a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. Morocco strengthened its position as Africa's top-ranked side, rising to 7th worldwide. Senegal remain among the highest-ranked African teams heading into Group I.

Nicolas Jackson's friendly red card will not carry over to the World Cup - no ban for France opener

· squad

FIFA confirmed that red cards received in international friendly matches do not transfer to World Cup competitive fixtures under Article 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Jackson's second yellow in the 84th minute against Saudi Arabia (9 June) means his one-match ban must be served in Senegal's next friendly only. He is fully eligible to play against France on 16 June at MetLife Stadium.

Senegal end World Cup prep with flat 0-0 draw vs Saudi Arabia, Jackson sent off

· matches

Senegal closed their pre-tournament programme with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia at Toyota Field in San Antonio on 9 June, finishing with 10 men after Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a second yellow in the 84th minute. Édouard Mendy kept a clean sheet; Krépin Diatta and Ismaïla Sarr (crossbar) went close. French media called the display unconvincing before the France opener.

Koulibaly declares himself fit and plays final minutes against Saudi Arabia

· injuries

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly said on 8 June he feels very good after his April thigh injury, having trained with the squad again for several days and not wanting to rush his return. He then came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute against Saudi Arabia on 9 June, replacing Mamadou Sarr, in his first match action since the injury, easing fitness fears ahead of the France opener on 16 June.

Senegal complete: final 26-man squad reunited in the US before Saudi Arabia warm-up

· squad

All 26 players are now together at the US camp, completing Senegal's group before their final warm-up against Saudi Arabia on 9 June. Pape Thiaw cut his 28-man list to 26 after the USA friendly, leaving out defenders Ilay Camara and Moustapha Mbow. Late arrivals Ibrahim Mbaye, Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy, plus returnees Ismaïla Sarr and Pathé Ciss, completed the group.

Koulibaly returns to full training, easing Senegal fitness fears before the World Cup

· injuries

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly has rejoined Senegal's full group training at the US camp without difficulty, training alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye, after the April thigh injury that had sidelined him. Coach Pape Thiaw calls him an essential element; staff stay cautious but hope he features in the 9 June friendly against Saudi Arabia and is fully ready for the France opener on 16 June.

Lions ramp up World Cup prep with intense session at NC State, eyes on Saudi friendly

· general

Senegal intensified their World Cup preparation with a demanding two-hour session on Wednesday at NC State University in Raleigh, the federation reported. Under Pape Thiaw the players ran high-intensity, impact and dueling drills, with staff praising their commitment, ahead of their final warm-up against Saudi Arabia on 9 June in San Antonio. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly remained in the group.

Senegal lose 3-2 to USA in World Cup warm-up as Mané scores twice

· matches

Senegal lost 3-2 to the United States in a pre-World Cup friendly at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte. Sadio Mané scored both goals (44' and second half), taking his international tally to 54; USA replied through Dest, Pulisic and Balogun. Coach Pape Thiaw praised a 'very hungry, well-organised' American side. Senegal next face Saudi Arabia on 9 June before opening against France.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Édouard MendyGKAl-Ahli
Mory DiawGKLe Havre AC
Yehvann DioufGKOGC Nice
Krépin DiattaDFAS Monaco
Antoine MendyDFOGC Nice
Kalidou KoulibalyDFAl-Hilal
El Hadji Malick DioufDFWest Ham United
Mamadou SarrDFChelsea
Moussa NiakhatéDFOlympique Lyonnais
Abdoulaye SeckDFMaccabi Haifa
Ismaïl JakobsDFGalatasaray SK
Idrissa Gana GueyeMFEverton
Pape GueyeMFVillarreal CF
Lamine CamaraMFAS Monaco
Habib DiarraMFSunderland AFC
Pathé CissMFRayo Vallecano
Pape Matar SarrMFTottenham Hotspur
Bara Sapoko NdiayeMFBayern Munich
Sadio ManéFWAl-Nassr
Ismaïla SarrFWCrystal Palace
Iliman NdiayeFWEverton
Assane DiaoFWComo 1907
Ibrahim MbayeFWParis Saint-Germain
Nicolas JacksonFWChelsea
Bamba DiengFWFC Lorient
Chérif NdiayeFWSamsunspor

Recent results

  • 2023-11-18 — SEN 4-0 SSD (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — TOG 0-0 SEN (qualification)
  • 2024-01-08 — SEN 1-0 NIG (friendly)
  • 2024-03-22 — SEN 3-0 GAB (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — SEN 1-0 BEN (friendly)
  • 2024-06-06 — SEN 1-1 COD (qualification)
  • 2024-06-09 — MTN 0-1 SEN (qualification)
  • 2025-03-22 — SDN 0-0 SEN (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — SEN 2-0 TOG (qualification)
  • 2025-06-06 — IRL 1-1 SEN (friendly)
  • 2025-06-10 — ENG 1-3 SEN (friendly)
  • 2025-09-05 — SEN 2-0 SDN (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — COD 2-3 SEN (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — SSD 0-5 SEN (qualification)
  • 2025-10-14 — SEN 4-0 MTN (qualification)
  • 2025-11-15 — BRA 2-0 SEN (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — KEN 0-8 SEN (friendly)
  • 2026-03-28 — SEN 2-0 PER (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — SEN 3-1 GAM (friendly)
  • 2026-05-31 — USA 3-2 SEN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-09 — KSA 0-0 SEN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-22 — NOR 3-2 SEN (group)
  • 2026-06-26 — SEN 5-0 IRQ (group)
  • 2026-07-01 — BEL 3-2 SEN (round_of_32)

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