World Cup 2026: Senegal delegation set to return to Dakar after World Cup exit

Senegal’s official delegation is scheduled to return to Dakar on Tuesday, six days after the Lions of Teranga were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Belgium in the Round of 32.

The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the delegation is expected to arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport at 9:15am local time on 7 July.

The journey will be made aboard a special flight chartered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, subject to final confirmation of the flight schedule.

The announcement brings clarity after several days of uncertainty surrounding the team’s return from the tournament.

According to the federation, logistical and organisational challenges delayed the delegation’s repatriation following Senegal’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium. The delay added to what proved to be a difficult conclusion to the country’s World Cup campaign.

The federation also explained that not every member of the travelling party remained with the official delegation after the defeat.

Players and several members of the technical staff were authorised to leave the team’s base the day after the match.

While some travelled directly to their clubs or personal residences, the official delegation remained together and will complete the return journey to Senegal on Tuesday.

In its statement, the Senegalese Football Federation expressed its appreciation to the national authorities for assisting with the arrangements that made the delegation’s return possible.

The federation specifically acknowledged the efforts made to facilitate the necessary procedures and organise transportation back to Dakar following the unexpected delay.

The return of the official delegation is expected to formally bring Senegal’s World Cup campaign to a close after a tournament that featured both sporting disappointment and organisational challenges.

Attention is now likely to shift towards reviewing the team’s performance and assessing the events surrounding the campaign after Senegal’s hopes of progressing beyond the Round of 32 ended despite holding a two-goal advantage against Belgium before eventually losing in extra time.

With the delegation finally due back on home soil, the focus will turn to reflection and evaluation as Senegal begin planning for the next stage of their international programme.