Senegal back Mané and Koulibaly for 2026 World Cup Group A test
Senegal back Mané and Koulibaly for 2026 World Cup Group A test
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Senegal head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to reinforce their reputation as one of Africa’s leading football nations, with the tournament set for Mexico, Canada and the United States.
In a preview published by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Senegal are described as arriving with the confidence of recent continental success, alongside the motivation to prove themselves as their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title remains the subject of an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The West African side are expected to lean on a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent, with captain Sadio Mané leading the group. The 34-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Nassr, is Senegal’s record scorer with 53 goals in 126 international appearances.
At the back, defender Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to anchor the defence, while the midfield is set to include the experience of Idrissa Gueye. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy provides additional top-level experience at both club and international level.
Head coach Pape Thiaw has also added youthful options, including Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr and striker Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to be relied upon for goals. Young talents named in the ZBC report include Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old from the Paris Saint-Germain academy.
Senegal have been drawn in Group A with France, Norway and Iraq, a line-up widely regarded as one of the more demanding groups at the tournament.
The Lions of Teranga begin their campaign against France on 16 June at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a match that revives memories of Senegal’s 1-0 win over the defending champions at the 2002 World Cup.
They will then play Norway on 21 June before concluding the group phase against Iraq on 26 June in Toronto.
With senior figures expected to set standards and younger players offering pace and energy, Senegal will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage and make a meaningful impact at the 2026 World Cup.
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