Preview: Senegal eye early World Cup qualification as they take on South Sudan in Juba

South Sudan will host Senegal at the Juba National Stadium on Friday in a Group B encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at 14:00 GMT.

With elimination already confirmed, the Bright Stars will seek to end their campaign on a respectable note against one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

Nicolas Dupuis’s side sit at the bottom of Group B with four points from eight matches, having drawn four and lost four.

Their inability to convert chances has been a major setback, yielding only three goals – the fewest in the group – while conceding 14.

The Bright Stars are winless in their last five outings and were beaten 4-0 in the reverse fixture in Dakar, a result they will be eager to avoid repeating at home.

With nothing but pride at stake, Dupuis has called on his players to show character in front of their supporters.

Keer Mangar Majak and David Omot Sebit, the team’s only goal scorers in the qualifiers, are part of the squad, alongside Peter Chan Deng Yak, Joseph Malish, and Chol Peter Bentiu Daniel.

Goalkeeper Majak Mawith is expected to start, while Tito Okello and Valentino Yuel should lead the attack.

Senegal closing in on qualification

For Senegal, the mission in Juba is clear: collect three points and take another major step toward booking their place at the 2026 World Cup.

The Lions of Teranga top the group with 18 points from eight matches, having recorded five wins and three draws without defeat.

Under head coach Pape Thiaw, who succeeded Aliou Cisse in late 2024, Senegal have combined efficiency in attack with defensive solidity – scoring 13 goals and conceding only three, the best record in the group.

The squad features a blend of established stars and emerging talents. West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf continues to impress, while forwards Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, and midfielder Pape Matar Sarr provide attacking depth.

Sarr, the group’s top scorer with four goals, is expected to play a central role once again.

If Senegal wins their final two group stage matches against South Sudan (today, October 10) and Mauritania (October 14), they will automatically qualify for the World Cup as Group B winners, regardless of other results.

Senegal could also secure qualification today if they beat South Sudan, and DR Congo fails to win their match against Togo.