Senegal start Under-17 World Cup with Group F ambitions and African champions’ status

Senegal enter the Under-17 World Cup as favourites to win Group F after securing the Africa Under-17 title, with Ludovic Lamine Sane and his players aiming to turn that continental success into a deep run on the global stage.

The Lionceaux have been drawn alongside Croatia, Cuba and Tajikistan in a first-round section that appears within their reach. Senegal will be appearing at the Under-17 World Cup for the third consecutive time, and their opening fixture could immediately shape the group’s standings.

They face Croatia on 20 November, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30. Croatia are regarded as Senegal’s main threat in Group F, making the opening match particularly significant. A victory would give Senegal an early advantage and could put them at the top of the section.

However, a poor result would carry the opposite effect. Failure to beat Croatia could raise doubts around Senegal’s campaign and make their route through the group more difficult. The opening fixture therefore represents both an opportunity to underline their favourite status and an early test of their ability to cope with expectations.

Senegal’s African championship gives them confidence as they begin the competition, while their recent qualification record adds to the sense that they arrive with strong ambitions. Their status as group favourites means attention will be focused on whether they can deliver against opponents they are expected to overcome.

After the Croatia match, Senegal will play Cuba on 23 November. That game will begin at 13:30 and offers the African champions another chance to strengthen their position before the final group fixture.

The first round will conclude with Senegal facing Tajikistan on 26 November. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00, with the fixture listed as Tajikistan versus Senegal.

The schedule gives Senegal three matches in which to establish themselves in Group F and confirm their place among the leading teams in the competition. Their campaign starts against the side considered their principal rival, before meetings with Cuba and Tajikistan complete the first-round programme.

Senegal’s Under-17 World Cup first-round schedule

– 20 November, 15:30: Senegal v Croatia – 23 November, 13:30: Senegal v Cuba – 26 November, 16:00: Tajikistan v Senegal