World Cup 2026: Senegal unveil final squad for global showpiece in North America

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw have announced his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament to be co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Teranga Lions, one-time AFCON winners, are drawn in Group I alongside European giants, France, Norway and Iraq. Senegal will open their World Cup account against their colonial masters, France in a high-stake clash.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots.

As preparations intensify for the global showpiece, Pape Thiaw has named 28 players for the biggest soccer mundial, with the Highly-profiled Sadio Mano, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Nicolas Jackson spearheading the team.

Other top players in the squad include, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Eduard Mendy, Pape Matar Sarr.

The squad is a balanced blend of experience, emerging talent, and proven international pedigree, as the Teranga Lions aims to make a meaningful impact at the mundial.

Senegal’s approach heading into the tournament reflects both confidence and caution. The squad carries the weight of past achievements, including their strong performances in recent international competitions, but also the pressure of proving they can consistently challenge the global elite.

It will be Senegal’s fourth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2002, 2018 and 2022 tournaments, with their best performance coming in 2002 when they reached the quarterfinals.

The Taranga Lions became the second African nation to reach the quarterfinals of the global showpiece after Cameroon, defeating Poland in the last 16 of the tournament. Unfortunately, the African giants were booted out of the competition after falling short to Turkey in the quarterfinals.

In 2018, they reached the group stage, and in 2022, they made it to the round of 16, losing to England 3-0.