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Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw has revealed an expanded 28-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, declaring that the Lions of Teranga harbour “big dreams” to achieve historic milestones at next month’s tournament.
The selection blends veteran leadership with emerging talent, featuring established stalwarts like Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Edouard Mendy, and captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is currently working his way back from a thigh injury.
They are joined by rising young stars Lamine Camara, Ibrahima Mbaye, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, alongside forward Bamba Dieng, who earned his spot following a strong season finale with French side Lorient.
The West African nation is set to open its World Cup campaign on June 16 against France in New Jersey.
This high-profile fixture evokes memories of Senegal’s iconic upset victory over the French in the opening match of the 2002 tournament.
Placed in Group I alongside Norway and Iraq, Thiaw downplayed the heavy media focus on the French rematch, emphasising that all opponents in the group require equal tactical attention and that the historical connection does not make it a special fixture for him.
The squad announcement comes during a turbulent competitive year for Senegal, following a controversial Africa Cup of Nations final in January.
Though Senegal initially celebrated a victory, the Confederation of African Football later awarded the title to tournament hosts Morocco on appeal after the Senegalese team walked off the pitch in protest of an added-time penalty.
As the Senegalese Football Federation continues to challenge that ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Thiaw remains focused on the global stage, expressing confidence that his balanced roster is fully prepared for the World Cup’s intense physical demands.
