Moussa Niakhaté relishes World Cup clash as Senegal draw France in Group I

Moussa Niakhaté says he “was praying for a France-Senegal match” after learning that the two nations will meet in Group I of the 2026 World Cup.

The Senegal defender, speaking on L’Équipe du Soir, described the draw as extraordinary and insisted the Lions will approach the tournament without fear as they prepare to face France, Norway and a play-off qualifier.

Recalling the moment the groups were revealed, Niakhaté said he could hardly contain his excitement.

“I was so happy. I was in bed with my iPad watching the draw. I was praying for a France-Senegal match, because we all know what it means to us. We know what happened 24 years ago. As a dual national, it’s always an honor to be able to play against France. I’m so happy. It’s just extraordinary.”

For Niakhaté, the prospect of meeting France goes far beyond sporting rivalry.

He explained that many members of Senegal’s squad have grown up within the French system, giving the encounter a personal dimension.

“We’re thrilled to be able to play France. There are many dual-nationality players on the Senegal team who have also played for France’s youth teams. But the real dream is to play in a World Cup. And when you play in competitions like this and you get to play against France, with so many friends on that team, it’s the ultimate achievement.”

The defender also shared childhood memories of the nations’ iconic 2002 meeting, when Senegal stunned the reigning world and European champions.

“I was six years old at the time. I was rooting for Senegal. Although I was born, raised, and went to school in France, there’s something extra special about Senegal. We were really motivated because the French team were the reigning world and European champions. I remember that amazing day with my dad. We drove his little Peugeot around town and made quite a racket.”

He revealed that the draw immediately sparked excitement among his national teammates.

“I’ve had a few messages. Just look at their social media. Everyone is very happy and delighted. Just 15 minutes ago, I was talking to Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain. He’s very happy, like all of us. We’re really looking forward to this match and trying to repeat the feat of 2002.”

Looking ahead to individual battles, Niakhaté admitted that stopping Kylian Mbappé will be a formidable task.

“I’ve been watching his matches a bit lately with Real Madrid. There aren’t many players with the skill to stop him because he scores in every game. But that match against France is in six or seven months. Before that, we have the Africa Cup of Nations and matches with Lyon. We’ll all have time to think about it. But it’s going to be a tough match because France has some extraordinary players. But we have some good qualities too.”

He also expects a demanding contest against Norway’s Erling Haaland.

“He’s one of the strikers I’ve faced the most in my career. I played against him in Germany when he was at Dortmund. We both left Germany and ended up in the Premier League. So I’ve played against him a lot. But every time we played with a low block, he struggled, and every time we played with a high block, he scored a hat trick against us. So I think it’s pretty clear. I think I could give the coach some instructions for this match. We’ll have to play to our strengths.”

Despite the calibre of the opposition, Niakhaté is adamant that Senegal will stay true to their identity.

“Honestly, I don’t think so,” he said when asked whether the team would adopt a deeper defensive line. “The coach will be able to answer that, but we’re not used to playing with a low block. We know how to do it, but we prefer to press high and dictate the game. We did that against England, whom we beat in Nottingham. Playing to our strengths is what we do best. We have to showcase our strengths, try to make things difficult for everyone. We’re Lions. We’re not afraid of anything.”