SENEGAL

Senegal is a four-time World Cup participant with a best result of the 2002 quarterfinal. At the 2026 World Cup, Senegal plays in Group I against France, Iraq, and Norway. Head coach Pape Thiaw, a former player and assistant, has been in charge since December 2024, replacing the legendary Aliou Cissé. The leaders: Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy, Iliman Ndiaye.

In 2002 Senegal debuted at the World Cup in Korea and Japan — and became the tournament's sensation. In the opening group match on May 31 in Seoul: a 1:0 win over reigning champion France (Pape Bouba Diop's goal). Seventeen million Senegalese celebrated for a week. The team reached the round of 16, beat Sweden 2:1 (Henri Camara's golden goal in extra time), then lost 0:1 in the quarterfinal to Turkey (İlhan Mansız's golden goal). The squad under Bruno Metsu remained Africa's best performance until 2022. In 2022 Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time — beating Egypt on penalties, without Mané in the final.

Qualifying ended in first place with five wins and one draw. Pape Thiaw, a former player and captain, took over after Cissé's failure at the 2023 AFCON final. In Group I the main rival is France (the opener on June 16 in New York). Matches are in New York, New York, and Toronto. A possible knockout match against England or Croatia — a real shot at the quarterfinal, like 2002.

---