Iron Girone, stellar squad: Senegal no longer hides
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
Senegal, ranked 14th in the FIFA Ranking, has a robust squad with stars such as Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, who could be playing their last major competitions. The combination of experienced players and young talents, such as Pape Matar Sarr, promises a dynamic and effective attack, essential to face the pressure of World Cup games.
Why this matters
Senegal is preparing for a significant challenge at the 2026 World Cup, where they will face high-level teams such as France and Norway. The team, which has already had a notable performance in previous editions, seeks not only to compete, but also to leave a lasting mark in the history of the tournament. The quality of the squad, which combines experience and youth, could be crucial to their success in this group stage.
Main conclusions
- Iron Girone, stellar squad: Senegal no longer hides.
- Senegal faces a challenging group at the 2026 World Cup, including teams like France and Norway.
- Sadio Mané remains central to Senegal's plans.
Senegal is about to face a significant challenge in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The team, which has already reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and the round of 16 in 2022, enters the field with the ambition of continuing its historic journey. In Group I, Pape Thiaw's team will face France, Norway and Iraq. The games are scheduled for June 16, June 22 and June 26, respectively, in New York and Toronto.
The road to the World Cup
In the CAF qualifying phase, Senegal stood out as leader of its group, gaining a total of 24 points in 10 matches. The team's performance was solid, with an undefeated campaign, driven by goals from Sadio Mané, Pape Matar Sarr and Ismaila Sarr. However, the team had to sweat to secure its position, especially after a narrow victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they triumphed 3-2 in September 2025, with goals from Gueye, Jackson and P. M. Sarr.
The squad
The Senegalese team has a robust and diverse formation, with options in several positions. For many of its key players, the 2026 World Cup will be a golden opportunity to shine before a possible end of the cycle. Edouard Mendy (born 1992), Kalidou Koulibaly (1991) and Sadio Mané (1992) lead a squad that also includes young promises such as Como's Diao and Monaco's Camara. The Senegalese attack is full of alternatives, with Mané and Diao being accompanied by Jackson (recently loaned to Bayern Munich), Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr. The team's high potential will now have to deal with the high expectations that fall on them.
Those called up
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Krépin Diatta (Monaco), Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC)
Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Sadio Mané (Al Nassr), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Chérif Ndiaye (Samsunspor)
Probable formation (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Jakobs; I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané; Jackson. Coach: Thiaw.
Senegal enters the 2026 World Cup with the determination to improve on its previous performances and showcase the strength of African football on the world stage.
What happens next
Senegal's group stage games are scheduled for June 16 against France, June 22 against Norway and June 26 against Iraq. Pape Thiaw's team will have to prepare well to face demanding opponents, which could influence their trajectory in the tournament. Performance in these games will be fundamental for evaluating your season and for your aspirations of reaching new stages in the Coppa del Mondo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of the game between Senegal and France?
The game between Senegal and France is scheduled for June 16th.
How did Senegal do in the World Cup qualifying phase?
Senegal stood out as leader of its group, gaining a total of 24 points in 10 matches, with an undefeated campaign.
What are Senegal's next games in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup?
Senegal's next games in the group stage are against Norway on June 22nd and against Iraq on June 26th.
How did Senegal perform in the last World Cup?
In the last World Cup in 2022, Senegal reached the round of 16.
Who are some d
the key players of the Senegalese national team?
Some of the key players in the Senegalese national team include Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.