Senegal unveils squad for 2026 world cup with stars mané and koulibaly
The Teranga Lions are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America with a bold 28-man squad, headlined by captain Sadio Mané and veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly, despite concerns over Mané’s fitness. Head coach Pape Thiaw has expressed high ambitions ahead of a summer showdown featuring powerhouse opponents.
«We are dreaming big», declared Thiaw, as he outlined a tactically balanced squad designed to tackle the challenges of football’s grandest stage. The tournament kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19 across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Thiaw has entrusted a mix of seasoned professionals and rising talents, with young stars like Lamine Camara (Monaco), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahima Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich), and striker Bamba Dieng—recognized for his impressive end-of-season form with Lorient—earning call-ups.
«This is a well-rounded group tailored for the demands of a grueling World Cup campaign,» Thiaw stated during the official press briefing.
Senegal’s group stage opponents
The Teranga Lions find themselves in Group I, alongside three formidable foes: France, Norway, and Iraq.
Their journey begins on June 16 against France, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé. The two nations share a historic rivalry, having met in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup—a Senegal victory that marked their maiden tournament appearance.
When asked about the significance of facing France, Thiaw remained composed: «There are three opponents here. Why focus solely on one? Norway and Iraq are part of the equation. Yes, France is tied to our history, but to me, this isn’t a special match.»
Full Senegal 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)
