World Cup 2026: We are aiming to achieve big things – Senegal coach Pape Thiaw

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has declared that the Teranga Lions carry “big dreams” heading into the 2026 World Cup, insisting his squad is built to compete at the highest level.

Thiaw made the comments on Thursday after announcing his final tournament squad, describing the selection as carefully balanced for the demands of football’s biggest stage.

“It’s a balanced and well thought out group to meet the demands of this World Cup, which is an intense competition,” he said at a press conference.

Senegal will open their campaign on June 16 against France in New Jersey in a Group I that also includes Norway and Iraq.

The meeting with France revives memories of their historic 2002 World Cup opener, when Senegal stunned the then-defending champions before going on to reach the quarter-finals in their debut tournament.

However, Thiaw played down the significance of facing France first.

“Senegal have three opponents. Why focus on France?” he said. “Norway and Iraq are there. We have a historical connection with France, but for me, it’s not a special match.”

The squad features several established figures, including Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Edouard Mendy, and captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who remains sidelined after a thigh injury in early April.

There is also space for emerging talent, with Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, PSG forward Ibrahima Mbaye, and Bayern Munich’s Bara Sapoko Ndiaye included. Forward Bamba Dieng also earns a place after a strong finish to the season with French club Lorient.

Senegal’s preparations come after a turbulent start to the year, following controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. Although they initially won the title, CAF later overturned the result in March after ruling that Senegal breached regulations when players and officials left the pitch following a disputed late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation has since taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the case still ongoing.