Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to announce 2026 World Cup squad on May 21

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is expected to unveil fresh new faces in his squad for the 2026 World Cup tournament, with defender Malang Sarr and midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye reportedly in line for their first senior call-ups.

The expanded tournament, will feature 48 countries, with the West African football powerhouse securing one of Africa’s nine automatic slots.

At the World Cup, the Teranga Lions have been drawn in Group I alongside their colonial masters France, Erling Haaland’s Norway and Iraq.

Pape Thiaw is expected to announce Senegal’s squad on 21 May as preparations intensify for the global tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.

The upcoming announcement is already generating excitement among Senegalese supporters, particularly with indications that new talent could be integrated into the national team setup ahead of one of football’s biggest competitions.

Both Malang Sarr and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye are reportedly included in Senegal’s preliminary list of 55 players submitted to FIFA, significantly boosting their chances of making the final squad.

Sarr, who currently plays for RC Lens, has rebuilt his reputation in Ligue 1 with a series of solid performances at the heart of the defence. The former Chelsea defender brings experience from top-level European football and could provide valuable depth and versatility to Senegal’s defensive unit.

The 26-year-old has long been viewed as a player with strong potential, and a switch to represent Senegal internationally would add another experienced option to the Teranga Lions squad as they aim to compete strongly on the world stage.

Meanwhile, young midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is regarded as one of Senegal’s emerging talents. His potential inclusion would reflect Senegal’s continued commitment to blending experienced players with promising young prospects capable of shaping the future of the national team.

Coach Pape Thiaw is expected to use the World Cup as an opportunity to strengthen competition within the squad while maintaining the core of players who have helped establish Senegal among Africa’s football powerhouses in recent years.

The Teranga Lions head into the tournament carrying high expectations after consistently performing strongly in international competitions and producing a generation of players competing at the highest level across Europe.

With the official squad announcement now just days away, attention will focus on whether Sarr and Ndiaye can secure places in the final selection and potentially make their international debuts on football’s biggest stage.

Senegalese fans will also be eager to see how Pape Thiaw balances youth and experience as the Teranga Lions prepare for another major global challenge in North America.