World Cup 2026: Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly declares himself fit for tournament

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has handed the Lions of Teranga a significant boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after declaring himself fit for the tournament.

The experienced defender had been a major fitness concern for Senegal in recent weeks after sustaining an injury while on club duty, raising fears that he could miss part of the tournament. However, with the World Cup set to begin on June 11, Koulibaly has reassured supporters that he is back to full fitness and preparing alongside his teammates.

Speaking to RMC, Koulibaly disclosed his return to full-scale training, while expressing readiness for the tournament.

“I feel very good. We’ve handled things sensibly. We didn’t want to rush things. I’ve been back training with the squad for a few days now,” Koulibaly said.

The centre-back also left the door open to featuring in Senegal’s upcoming friendly match against Saudi Arabia, although he stressed that the final decision rests with head coach Pape Thiaw.

“We’ll see if I’ll play against Saudi Arabia in Tuesday’s friendly. It’s up to the coach to decide. The start of the competition is approaching,” he added.

Koulibaly’s recovery comes as welcome news for Senegal, who will be relying heavily on their captain’s leadership, experience and defensive quality during the tournament. Over the years, the former Napoli and Chelsea defender has established himself as one of Africa’s finest centre-backs and remains a key figure in the national team setup.

His return significantly strengthens Senegal’s defensive options and provides an added sense of confidence as the West Africans prepare to challenge some of the world’s best teams.

The Lions of Teranga enter the World Cup with high expectations after enjoying a successful period in international football. With a squad packed with talent and experience, Senegal are widely regarded as one of Africa’s strongest representatives at the tournament.

For coach Pape Thiaw, having Koulibaly available could prove crucial as he finalises his plans ahead of the competition. The defender’s presence not only enhances the team’s defensive stability but also provides invaluable leadership on and off the pitch.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Senegalese supporters will be encouraged by the positive update from their captain. With Koulibaly back in training and nearing a return to match action, the Lions of Teranga appear to be heading into the tournament with one of their most influential players fully fit and ready for the challenge ahead.