Senegal's national team is one of Africa's strongest in recent years. With physical strength, speed, and experience, they are always tough opponents.
Senegal qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the first with 48 teams, and will go with great ambitions.
Oxu.Az looks at Senegal's football past, present, and 2026 expectations.
Pap Thiaw is the perfect man to revive the 2002 quarterfinal spirit. He provided the assist to Henri Camara in that tournament.
Thiaw was first interim, then officially appointed head coach in December 2024. He extended the team's unbeaten run.
In their first WC in 2002, Senegal beat France 1-0, drew with Denmark 1-1 and Uruguay 3-3, beat Sweden 2-1 in Round of 16, and lost to Turkey 0-1 in quarters.
In their last WC in 2022, they lost to Netherlands 0-2, beat Qatar 3-1 and Ecuador 2-1, and lost to England 0-3 in Round of 16.
In WC 2026 qualifiers, Senegal topped their group unbeaten. Mane was top scorer with 5 goals.
Senegal is in Group I with France, Norway, and Iraq for WC 2026.
Schedule: June 16 France-Senegal, June 23 Norway-Senegal, June 26 Senegal-Iraq.
Top WC scorer: Papa Bouba Diop (3 goals). Most appearances: Koulibaly, Sabaly, Sarr (7 each).
Unforgettable moment: Beating France 1-0 in the 2002 opener, leading to the creation of Senegal's Ministry of Sports.
