Senegal name provisional squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers with Mamadou Sarr set for debut

Senegal will resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in October, playing two crucial matches that could edge them closer to the global showpiece.

The Lions travel to face South Sudan on 10 October before hosting Mauritania four days later.

The reigning AFCON 2021 champions top their group with 18 points, holding a narrow two-point lead over second-placed DR Congo.

Coach Pape Thiaw has unveiled a strong provisional squad featuring several key players and one notable potential debutant.

Defender Mamadou Sarr, on loan at RC Strasbourg from Chelsea, could make his first appearance for Senegal during the international window.

The 20-year-old, born in Martigues, recently opted to represent Senegal internationally under FIFA eligibility rules. However, a recent muscle injury casts doubt on his participation.

Despite this uncertainty, Sarr’s inclusion represents a significant boost for the national team as they push to secure qualification for the 2026 tournament.

Senegal’s depth and experience remain central to their campaign, with several established stars returning to the fold.

Probable Senegal Squad

Goalkeepers

• Edouard Mendy – Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

• Mory Diaw – Le Havre (France)

• Yehvann Diouf – OGC Nice (France)

Defenders

• Mamadou Sarr – Strasbourg (France)

• Kalidou Koulibaly – Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

• Abdou Diallo – Al Arabi SC (Qatar)

• Moussa Niakhaté – Olympique Lyonnais (France)

• Ismail Jakobs – Galatasaray (Turkey)

• El Hadji Malick Diouf – West Ham (England)

• Antoine Mendy – OGC Nice (France)

• Moustapha Mbow – Paris FC (France)

Midfielders

• Idrissa Gana Gueye – Everton (England)

• Lamine Camara – AS Monaco (Monaco)

• Pathé Ciss – Rayo Vallecano (Spain)

• Pape Alassane Gueye – Villarreal (Spain)

• Krépin Diatta – AS Monaco (Monaco)

• Cheikh Niasse – Hellas Verona (Italy)

• Pape Matar Sarr – Tottenham Hotspur (England)

Forwards

• Sadio Mané – Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)

• Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea (England)

• Ismaila Sarr – Crystal Palace (England)

• Iliman Ndiaye – Everton (England)

• Cherif Ndiaye – Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)

• Boulaye Dia – Lazio (Italy)

• Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly – FC Metz (France)

Senegal approach these fixtures with confidence, aiming to extend their unbeaten run and solidify their place at the top of the table. With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, the Lions look determined to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup.