Kalidou Koulibaly: We want to match Senegal’s legendary 2002 World Cup heroes

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly believes the current generation of Lions of Teranga possesses the quality, experience and mentality to make a significant impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the defender insisting the squad is determined to emulate, and possibly surpass, the achievements of the country’s iconic 2002 side.

The 2026 tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will usher in a new era for the competition as the first World Cup hosted by three nations and the first to feature an expanded 48-team format.

For Senegal, qualification represents another milestone in a period of sustained success. The West Africans secured their place at a fourth World Cup after navigating the African qualifiers unbeaten under head coach Pape Thiaw.

A commanding 4-0 victory over Mauritania in their final qualifying fixture ensured they topped Group B ahead of DR Congo, whom they had defeated 3-2 away from home in a crucial encounter weeks earlier.

With a squad packed with established stars competing at the highest level, Koulibaly says belief within the camp is understandably high ahead of a challenging group-stage campaign that begins against France.

Confidence built on quality and experience

The Al-Hilal defender pointed to the pedigree within Senegal’s ranks as a major source of optimism as the team prepares for football’s biggest stage.

“When you have a squad of that calibre with talented players who have won the (UEFA) Champions League and are top scorers at their respective clubs… even at European level it’s hard to find a way to get a result against them,” Koulibaly told FIFA.com.

The former Chelsea centre-back stressed that beyond individual achievements, representing Senegal provides an added motivation that drives the squad forward.

“But we will do everything we can to succeed because representing our country means everything to us. And when you pull on that Senegal shirt, it gives you something extra and makes you want to perform at your best. That’s the spirit we’ll be taking into these matches.”

Senegal enter the tournament with a respectable World Cup record, having won five, drawn three and lost four of their previous 12 matches across appearances in 2002, 2018 and 2022. Yet it is their remarkable debut campaign in South Korea and Japan that continues to serve as the benchmark for every generation that follows.

Inspired by the heroes of 2002

The opening fixture against France carries particular significance. It will be the second time Senegal have faced Les Bleus in a World Cup group-stage encounter following their famous 1-0 victory over the defending champions in 2002.

That result sparked one of the greatest runs in African football history as Senegal advanced through the tournament unbeaten before reaching the quarter-finals, becoming only the second African nation to achieve the feat at the time.

For Koulibaly, the memory remains vivid more than two decades later.

“I remember this match like it was yesterday… I was 11 years old at the time and I even remember which classes were there when I watched the game!”

He also recalled the unforgettable moment that followed Papa Bouba Diop’s winning goal.

“It was pure joy when Senegal legend Papa Bouba (Diop) scored after the cut-back from the great El-Hadji Diouf.”

Those memories, he explained, continue to shape the ambitions of the current squad.

“All the players of my generation know about the class of 2002 and, while today’s youngsters might not be so familiar with them, we want to match their performance, if not improve on it.”

Veteran leaders setting the standard

Koulibaly believes Senegal’s leadership group will be crucial if the team is to realise those ambitions. He highlighted the example set daily by senior figures such as Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

“We have a core of experienced players to set an example,” he said.

According to the defender, the professionalism and work ethic displayed by the squad’s veterans continue to influence younger teammates and reinforce a culture that has already delivered major success for the national team in recent years.

“This is the mentality that has enabled us to win titles in the past.”

Senegal will begin their World Cup campaign against France at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 16 before facing Norway on June 22. Their final group match will come against Iraq as the Lions of Teranga attempt to write a new chapter in their history and prove that the spirit of 2002 still burns brightly within a generation eager to create its own legacy.