Senegalese defender Bouna Sarr targets 2026 World Cup return

Senegalese defender Bouna Sarr says he feels ready to return to international football and hopes to be part of Senegal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overcoming more than two years away from the game.

The 34-year-old, who recently returned to competitive football with FC Metz, is targeting a comeback with the Lions following a long spell on the sidelines caused by injuries.

Sarr has not featured for Senegal since helping the country win the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, but he now believes he can still play an important role for the national team.

Speaking to L’Observateur, the former Bayern Munich and Marseille full-back opened up about the challenges he faced during the most difficult period of his career.

After spending almost two and a half years away from competitive action, Sarr admitted his return to Ligue 1 was far from straightforward.

“After almost two and a half years without playing, coming back to play in Ligue 1 was not easy. I fought for it,” he confided.

Despite the lengthy absence, Sarr insists he has retained both the physical condition and mentality needed to compete at the highest level.

The Senegal international believes his experience could still be valuable for a squad preparing for another appearance on football’s biggest stage.

“I feel I am eligible for selection and capable of bringing my qualities to the group,” he says.

Sarr’s comments underline his determination to continue representing Senegal despite the setbacks that threatened to halt his career. Having been part of the historic squad that secured Senegal’s first AFCON title in 2022, the defender now sees a possible return for the World Cup as a personal objective after years of rehabilitation and recovery.

His situation has inevitably sparked comparisons with Moroccan forward Sofiane Boufal, who also returned to international contention after dealing with injury setbacks.

The final decision, however, will rest with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, who is expected to assess his options ahead of the 2026 World Cup preparations.

For Sarr, simply returning to top-level football has already marked a significant achievement, but the experienced defender is clearly hoping the journey does not end there.