Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf has set an ambitious target for the Teranga Lions, declaring that the team aims to surpass Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup run by winning the 2026 edition.
Morocco made history at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and finishing fourth—the best performance by both an African and Arab nation.
Their achievement eclipsed previous milestones by Senegal and Ghana, who reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and 2010, respectively.
Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+ following Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, Diouf went beyond matching Morocco’s feat.
“If the goal is just to reach the semi-finals, then it’s better to stay at home,” the West Ham United defender said.
“We are Senegal, and we have the ability to win the World Cup; there is no room for discussion about that. As a great footballing nation, we will go for the title.”
“There are those who talk about the semi-finals, but for me, this is unacceptable. I apologise, we will only go to win.”
Senegal claimed the 2025 AFCON crown in January, defeating hosts Morocco in a final filled with drama and excitement.
The Teranga Lions have been drawn into Group I for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Senegal will face France, Norway, and a team yet to be decided through the play-offs in March.
