World Cup 2026: Senegal barred from wearing AFCON star on jersey ahead of opener against France

Senegal’s national team will not be allowed to feature the Africa Cup of Nations star on their jerseys at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, in line with regulations restricting the use of continental championship symbols in FIFA competitions.

The Teranga Lions, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021, have traditionally displayed stars above their badge to mark major tournament victories.

However, FIFA equipment rules only permit such symbols when they represent World Cup titles or other FIFA-recognised global competitions.

As a result, Senegal will take to the tournament without the AFCON star that typically reflects their continental success, despite their status as one of Africa’s most accomplished sides in recent years.

The restriction means Senegal’s kit will instead feature only the star associated with their FIFA-recognised achievements, in line with long-standing tournament regulations that standardise team branding at the World Cup.

The issue has drawn attention given the broader context of continental identity in international football kits, where African champions often wear stars in CAF competitions but must remove them for FIFA events.

Senegal begin their World Cup campaign against France on Tuesday in a highly anticipated Group I opener, where attention is expected to fall not only on the football but also on the symbolism—or absence of it—on their shirts.