In recent years, Senegal has emerged as one of Africa’s top national soccer teams, achieving notable success by winning the 2021 African Cup of Nations and securing qualification for consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022. They also advanced to the round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup, adding to their impressive history, which includes reaching the quarterfinals in 2002.
With several players from top European leagues, Senegal is positioned as one of Africa’s strongest contenders heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>How I earned my qualification:
Senegal secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Mauritania 4-0, finishing top of CAF Group B with an undefeated record, amassing 24 points—two more than the Democratic Republic of the Congo in second place.
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
- June 16th: Senegal vs France — New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (3 p.m. ET)
- June 22nd: Senegal vs Norway — New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (8 p.m. ET)
- June 26th: Senegal vs. FIFA Playoffs 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — Toronto Stadium (3 p.m. ET)
Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoffs 2, Norway | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw
Group I for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature France, Senegal, the second round playoff winners, and Norway.
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Past World Cup matches:
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>What was Senegal’s best result at the World Cup?
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Who will be Senegal’s key players at the World Cup?
Sadio Mane is set to play a pivotal role in the 2026 tournament, having established himself as one of Africa’s football legends. With a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, and the winning penalty in Senegal’s AFCON 2022 victory, he is also his country’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals.
Idrissa Gueye brings over a decade of high-level experience to the team, playing significant roles at Everton and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple Ligue 1 titles. A valuable midfielder, he has also contributed to Senegal’s AFCON success.
Kalidou Koulibaly stands out as one of Senegal’s top defenders, gaining recognition during his time at Napoli as Serie A’s Defender of the Year in the 2018-19 season. He captained Senegal to their AFCON title and showed commendable defensive skills at the 2022 World Cup.
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Who will be Senegal’s coach at the World Cup?
Pape Thiau is the head coach of the Senegalese national team, known for leading them to their first African Cup of Nations championship. After a successful career as a striker in France and Spain, he has earned a reputation for nurturing local talent in Senegal’s football landscape.
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Senegal’s all-time leading scorer:
- Sadio Mane: 51 goals (current player)
- Played for Metz, Red Bull Salzburg, Southampton, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Al Nasr
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Senegal’s all-time cap leaders:
- Idrissa Gueye: 122 caps (current player)
- Played for Lille, Aston Villa, Everton, PSG, and Everton
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Senegal team nickname:
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>About the country:
- Population: Approximately 19.1 million people
- Capital: Dakar
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-746446fd;”>Want great articles delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account Follow leagues, teams, and players to receive personalized newsletters daily!
Fan Take: Senegal’s rising soccer profile is significant not just for their fans but for the entire African continent, as it showcases the growing competitive spirit in world football. Their success could inspire younger players across Africa to dream big, potentially altering the landscape of international soccer in the years to come.
