Story perspectives

Senegal names Koulibaly, Mendy, Mané for France opener.

5/22/2026

Summary

Senegal Opens World Cup

Senegal will open the 2026 World Cup against France on June 16, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Coach Pape Thiaw announced a 26-player squad that includes captain Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and striker Sadio Mané.
Senegal qualified on October 15, 2026 after 0-5 and 4-0 wins over South Sudan and Mauritania.
Despite a thigh injury since early April, Koulibaly stays in the squad, with Thiaw expecting him fit before the tournament.

Summary

Morocco Declared Winners

The CAF appeals board declared Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Senegal’s walk-off protest.
Sadio Mane missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a knee injury.
Senegal announced a 28-member squad on 21 May 2026 that includes former Manchester United goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and kept Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye despite a Premier League form dip after the AFCON tournament.

History

Historical Context

Senegal’s rise from a modest West African side to a global contender began with its historic 2002 World Cup quarter-final run, the nation’s first of four World Cup appearances. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations second-place finish sparked a protest-driven controversy, prompting CAF to tighten governance as the team prepares a veteran-laden 2026 squad featuring Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané.

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Senegal Opens World Cup

Senegal will open the 2026 World Cup against France on June 16, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Coach Pape Thiaw announced a 26-player squad that includes captain Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and striker Sadio Mané.
Senegal qualified on October 15, 2026 after 0-5 and 4-0 wins over South Sudan and Mauritania.
Despite a thigh injury since early April, Koulibaly stays in the squad, with Thiaw expecting him fit before the tournament.

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