Senegal set for high-stakes World Cup preparation camp in United States

Senegal have confirmed their preparation programme for the 2026 World Cup, with the national team set to travel to the United States at the end of May ahead of two scheduled friendly matches before the tournament begins.

The Senegalese Football Federation has outlined the timetable for the Lions of Teranga as coach Pape Thiaw prepares his squad for the competition, where Senegal will face France, Iraq and Norway in Group I.

The first major step in the preparations will come on 21 May, when Thiaw is expected to officially announce his final squad for the tournament.

The squad announcement is being closely awaited as supporters look to see which players will be selected for the trip to the United States.

Following the announcement, the players chosen for the competition will take part in the traditional flag presentation ceremony scheduled for 26 May.

The ceremony will mark the official send-off for the national side before their departure for the World Cup.

Senegal are due to travel to the United States on 27 May, where the team will begin its training camp in preparation for the tournament.

The camp is expected to provide Thiaw and his staff with an opportunity to finalise tactical adjustments and build momentum before the opening group-stage fixture.

As part of the preparation programme, Senegal will play two international friendlies before beginning their World Cup campaign.

The first of those matches will take place against the United States on 31 May.

The second friendly encounter is scheduled for 9 June, when the Lions of Teranga will face Saudi Arabia in another important test ahead of the competition.

The matches are expected to provide Senegal with an opportunity to assess fitness levels, strengthen cohesion within the squad and prepare for the intensity of tournament football.

The fixtures also represent the final competitive rehearsals before the team enters the group stage.

Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Iraq and Norway, with their opening match set to come against France.

The meeting with Les Bleus is likely to be one of the standout fixtures in the early stages of the group competition.

Attention is now focused on the final squad selection as competition for places remains intense across several positions.

Pape Thiaw is expected to make difficult decisions before confirming the 26 players who will represent Senegal at the tournament.

The preparation period will also allow the coaching staff to monitor the condition of players arriving from different leagues and seasons, with fitness management expected to play an important role ahead of the opening fixture.

For Senegal, the announcement of the schedule marks the beginning of the final phase of preparations before another appearance on football’s biggest stage.

The Lions of Teranga will aim to arrive at the tournament fully prepared as they seek to progress from a demanding group containing several experienced international sides.

The friendly matches against the United States and Saudi Arabia are therefore viewed as significant opportunities to sharpen the squad before the competitive action begins.

With the countdown now underway, anticipation continues to grow around Senegal’s World Cup campaign and the team that will be chosen to carry the country’s hopes in the United States.