Group I · Match 17Full time
- K. Mbappé 66'
- B. Barcola 82'
- K. Mbappé 90'+6'
- I. Mbaye 90'+5'
Senegal
Group IFIFA ranking #19CAFSEN
4th appearance · Quarter-finalists 2002
Profile
Africa's highest-ranked team qualified through African qualifying unbeaten, continuing a run of form that has made the Lions of Teranga the dominant force on the continent. Their squad is arguably stronger than the legendary 2002 quarter-final side in terms of individual quality: Sadio Mané brings Champions League medals, African Player of the Year awards and an unmatched competitive pedigree. Nicolas Jackson, now one of the most coveted strikers in world football after his Bayern Munich move, gives Senegal a second genuinely world-class forward. Pape Matar Sarr has established himself in Tottenham's midfield and represents Senegal's most exciting young talent. Coach Aliou Cissé — who played in the memorable 2002 quarter-final — has built a team with tactical intelligence alongside the raw talent. They are the team nobody in Group I wanted to draw, and among the most capable of making the knockout rounds from any position in the group.
Senegal fixtures
Group I · Match 41Full time
- M. Holmgren Pedersen 43'
- E. Haaland 48'
- E. Haaland 58'
- I. Sarr 53'
- I. Sarr 90'+3'
Group I · Match 62Full time
- H. Diarra 4'
- A. Seck 18'
- I. Sarr 56'
- P. Gueye 59'
- P. Gueye 71'
- P. Gueye 81'
- I. Ndiaye 82'
- R. Sulaka 13'
- A. Al-Ammari 75'
- M. Doski 90'
Round of 32 · Match 81AET
- B. Mechele 64'
- R. Lukaku 86'
- Y. Tielemans 89'
- Y. Tielemans (P) 120'+5'
- H. Diarra 24'
- I. Sarr 51'
- L. Camara 67'
Players to watch
Sadio Mané
Forward · Al Nassr
One of Africa's greatest players and a Champions League winner with Liverpool, Mané combined blistering pace, technical brilliance and relentless work rate at the very highest level. His experience of winning trophies under pressure in English and Saudi football and his status as an African legend make him Senegal's most important player and inspiration.
Nicolas Jackson
Forward · Bayern Munich
After a prolific Premier League spell with Chelsea, Jackson earned his move to Bayern Munich as one of Europe's most coveted strikers. His combination of pace, physical strength and composure in front of goal — combined with intelligent movement that creates space for others — makes him one of the most complete forwards in African football.
Pape Matar Sarr
Midfielder · Tottenham Hotspur
Senegal's most exciting young talent and a regular starter for Tottenham in the Premier League, Sarr brings energy, technical quality and an ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases. His dynamic running, sharp passing and composure under pressure in elite English football mark him as a future cornerstone of African midfield play.