World Cup 2026: Senegal star Iliman Ndiaye eye unprecedented glory on football’s biggest stage

Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has declared that the Lions of Teranga are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the ambition of becoming the first African nation to lift football’s biggest prize.

The West African giants are set to begin their Group I campaign against France on Tuesday, June 16, in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.

Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Ndiaye outlined Senegal’s lofty ambitions, insisting African football has evolved significantly and is now capable of competing with the traditional powerhouses of the game.

Speaking to France Football, the attacker stressed that the Lions of Teranga believe they can challenge any team in the tournament and are determined to build on the progress made by African nations in recent World Cups.

According to Ndiaye, Senegal’s ultimate goal is not simply to participate but to make history by bringing the World Cup trophy to Africa for the first time.

“Senegal is eagerly awaiting the World Cup because we have a clear objective: to become world champions,” Ndiaye said.

He pointed to the groundbreaking achievement of Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Ndiaye believes Morocco’s remarkable run proved that African teams can compete at the highest level and has inspired Senegal to dream even bigger.

“African football is reaching a new level. Morocco broke through a glass ceiling in 2022 with their run to the semi-finals. We have faced major nations and shown that we can look them in the eye,” he added.

Senegal arrive at the tournament carrying the hopes of a continent eager to see one of its representatives challenge for global supremacy. With a squad packed with talent and experience, coach Pape Thiaw will be hoping his side can make a strong start against France and lay the foundation for a deep run in the competition.

The Lions of Teranga have consistently established themselves among Africa’s leading football nations in recent years, and Ndiaye’s comments underline the growing belief within the camp that the gap between African teams and the world’s elite is narrowing.

As Senegal prepare for their opening test, their mission is clear: to follow Morocco’s trailblazing example and potentially go even further by delivering Africa’s first-ever FIFA World Cup title.