Senegal at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

Senegal return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 hoping to make a deep run on the global stage as one of Africa’s strongest football nations.

The Lions of Teranga arrive in North America carrying high expectations after establishing themselves as a consistent force in international football over the last two decades.

Group Overview

Senegal have been drawn into a highly competitive group featuring Norway, France and Iraq.

The African giants face a difficult challenge against two European opponents and an ambitious Iraqi side as they battle for a place in the knockout rounds.

Group Teams

France
Norway
Senegal
Iraq

Senegal Fixtures at World Cup 2026

Senegal began their campaign against France before facing Norway and Iraq in their remaining group matches.

Fixtures

France vs Senegal – Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – Dallas Stadium
Norway vs Senegal – Tuesday, 23 June 2026 – MetLife Stadium
Senegal vs Iraq – Saturday, 27 June 2026 – Dallas Stadium

Senegal World Cup History

Senegal have built a proud history at the FIFA World Cup despite making relatively few appearances at the tournament.

Korea/Japan 2002: Stunning Debut

Senegal shocked the football world during their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2002.

Led by stars such as El Hadji Diouf, the Lions of Teranga defeated reigning champions France 1-0 in the opening game before reaching the quarter-finals, becoming only the second African nation in history to achieve that feat at the time.

Their memorable run ended after a narrow extra-time defeat to Turkey.

Russia 2018: Fair Play Heartbreak

Senegal returned to the World Cup after missing the previous two editions and narrowly missed out on the Round of 16 in dramatic fashion.

The Lions finished level on points, goal difference and goals scored with Japan, but were eliminated due to FIFA’s fair play rule after collecting more yellow cards.

Qatar 2022: Back to the Knockouts

Senegal reached the knockout stages once again in Qatar despite missing injured star Sadio Mané for the tournament.

Victories over Qatar and Ecuador helped the African champions advance to the Round of 16 before they were eliminated by England.

2026 North America: Another African Contender

Senegal qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament with another strong CAF qualifying campaign.

Now led by a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talents, the Lions of Teranga are aiming to challenge for another historic World Cup run.

Senegal Final Squad for World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers

Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli)
Mory Diaw (Le Havre AC)
Yehvann Diouf (OGC Nice)

Defenders

Krépin Diatta (AS Monaco)
Antoine Mendy (OGC Nice)
Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United)
Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea)
Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon)
Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa)
Ismaïl Jakobs (Galatasaray SK)

Midfielders

Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton)
Pape Gueye (Villarreal CF)
Lamine Camara (AS Monaco)
Habib Diarra (Sunderland)
Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano)
Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)

Forwards

Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)
Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace)
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
Assane Diao (Como)
Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG)
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
Bamba Dieng (Lorient)
Chérif Ndiaye (Samsunspor)