World Cup 2026: Lens defender Malang Sarr set for maiden Senegal call-up ahead of tournament

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is expected to hand Malang Sarr his maiden call-up as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.

The West African football powerhouse are set to announce their squad for the global showpiece to be co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several new faces expected to be included in the team.

Among the most notable expected inclusions is Lens defender Malang Sarr, whose name has been strongly linked with Senegal in recent months.

The 27-year-old centre-back first emerged during the March international break when reports suggested he could receive a first invitation from Pape Thiaw. However, the former French youth international was ultimately left out of the squad at the time.

According to reports, Sarr is among the players selected by Pape Thiaw for the upcoming tournament preparations, signaling the beginning of his international career with Senegal.

Born in France, Sarr previously represented the French national teams at youth level and was once regarded as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects. Over the course of his career, he has featured for major European clubs including Chelsea, OGC Nice and AS Monaco before joining RC Lens.

His experience at the highest level of European football is believed to have impressed the Senegalese technical team, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the World Cup.

Sarr’s potential arrival could provide added depth, composure and versatility to the Teranga Lions backline as they prepare for one of the biggest competitions in world football.

Meanwhile, the situation appears less encouraging for Nobel Mendy.

The young defender is reportedly unlikely to make Pape Thiaw’s final selection despite being monitored by the national team setup. While Mendy remains a promising prospect for the future, reports indicate that he currently has little chance of earning a place in the squad for the upcoming international window.

The official announcement from Pape Thiaw is now eagerly awaited as supporters look forward to seeing the composition of the squad that will represent Senegal during the crucial preparations for the World Cup.

Should Malang Sarr’s inclusion be confirmed, it would mark an important milestone in the defender’s career and provide Senegal with another experienced option as the Teranga Lions aim to make a strong impression on the global stage.