In-form Paris FC defender Moustapha Mbow eyes Senegal call-up ahead of 2026 World Cup

Paris FC’s in-form defender Moustapha Mbow has declared his readiness to represent Senegal at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

The 26-year-old centre-back, who has been a consistent performer in the French second tier, is enjoying one of the most stable and impressive spells of his career with Paris FC.

His composure, defensive intelligence, and reliability have not gone unnoticed, and now, the Senegalese defender is setting his sights firmly on the international stage.

Speaking in an interview with Onze Mondial, Mbow expressed both confidence and humility as he discussed his chances of breaking into one of Africa’s most competitive national teams.

“I tick all the boxes to make the national team,” Mbow stated with conviction, underlining his belief in his abilities and readiness to contribute at the highest level.

However, the defender was quick to acknowledge the depth of talent within Senegal’s squad—a team widely regarded as one of the strongest on the continent. With established stars already occupying key defensive roles, Mbow understands that earning a place will require patience, persistence, and continued excellence at club level.

“There are players ahead of me… everyone in this squad is good,” he admitted, showing respect for his compatriots who have already cemented their roles within the Teranga Lions setup.

Under the guidance of head coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal has built a culture of fierce internal competition, where every selected player is considered capable of stepping into the starting lineup. Mbow has embraced that philosophy, echoing the coach’s belief in squad depth and readiness.

“As the coach said, there aren’t really any substitutes; we’re all ready to start. If he calls up 26 players, that means all 26 can start,” he explained, reinforcing the idea of collective strength within the squad.

For Mbow, a potential World Cup call-up represents far more than just professional progression—it is a deeply personal dream. The pride of representing his nation on football’s biggest stage fuels his daily motivation.

“I think about the World Cup every day,” he revealed, a statement that captures both his ambition and unwavering focus.

As Senegal continues to prepare for global competition, players like Moustapha Mbow are pushing from the fringes, determined to prove they belong. With consistent performances at Paris FC and a mindset grounded in both confidence and respect, Mbow is positioning himself as a serious contender for inclusion in the Teranga Lions’ future plans.

Should his upward trajectory continue, it may only be a matter of time before his dream becomes reality—and Senegal gains yet another reliable option in its already formidable defensive lineup.