Senegal will spend approximately 250 million CFA francs on their June international friendlies against Ireland and England, according to the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Augustin Senghor.
The national team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw and featuring talisman Sadio Mané, is scheduled to face Ireland in Dublin on 6 June before taking on England at Nottingham’s City Ground on 10 June.
These high-profile fixtures are intended to serve as key preparation ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking at a flag handover ceremony for Senegalese national teams on Friday, FSF president Senghor confirmed the financial commitment involved in staging these matches.
He stated that all agreements with the Football Associations of both Ireland and England have been finalised and logistics are now underway to facilitate Senegal’s participation in the friendlies.
“Everything is done,” said Senghor. “The contracts with both the Irish and English parties have been signed, and we know the venues where these matches will be played.
We have submitted the operation form to the authorities and are awaiting confirmation on how it will be handled.”
He went on to detail that the total cost of organising the two matches is projected at around 250 million CFA francs—an amount that does not include travel expenses such as airfare for the squad and staff.
This investment underscores the Federation’s determination to provide the national team with competitive opposition in the lead-up to crucial fixtures later in the year.
Senegal’s clash with England is expected to carry added significance following their previous meeting in the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
On that occasion, the Three Lions eliminated Senegal with a 3-0 win. The upcoming rematch offers Pape Thiaw’s side an opportunity to gauge their progress since that defeat and to challenge one of Europe’s top-ranked teams on neutral ground.
The match against Ireland, meanwhile, presents a different kind of test. Known for their physicality and disciplined approach, the Irish side will provide a contrasting style of play for the Lions of Teranga to navigate. Both encounters are designed to expose the team to varied tactical scenarios, enhancing their readiness for competitive international campaigns.
Senghor emphasised that these friendlies are more than just exhibition matches. “These games will help us prepare for the future,” he noted. “We’re focused on building a strong team for the World Cup qualifiers and the next edition of the AFCON.”
While the financial outlay may appear significant, the Federation views the investment as essential for maintaining the team’s momentum and competitive edge on the international stage. With key players like Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy expected to feature, the fixtures also provide an opportunity for emerging talent to integrate into the senior setup.
As preparations continue behind the scenes, fans in Senegal and abroad will be eagerly anticipating how the national team performs against two well-established European opponents. The results may be friendly in name, but for Senegal, the implications go far beyond the final whistle.
