Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has unveiled a strong preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with experienced forward Sadio Mane leading the Teranga Lions’ charge ahead of the global showpiece set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The expanded squad consists of 28 players, with two expected to be dropped before FIFA’s final submission deadline on June 2.
The West Africans head into the tournament carrying huge expectations as they seek to make another strong statement on the world stage after becoming one of Africa’s most consistent national sides in recent years.
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Much attention has been placed on Mane’s inclusion after the former Liverpool star missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because of injury despite initially being named in the squad.
The Al-Nassr attacker remains the heartbeat of Senegal’s attack and is expected to play a crucial leadership role both on and off the pitch.
Mane was also at the centre of Senegal’s dramatic AFCON 2025 final against Morocco, a match that ended in controversy after some Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch following a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
While tensions rose on the touchline, Mane stayed on the field and reportedly urged his teammates to continue with the match.
Pape Thiaw has assembled a balanced squad blending experience and youthful energy.
In attack, Senegal will rely on the pace and creativity of players such as Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson, while midfield duties will be anchored by seasoned campaigners including Idrissa Gueye and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
At the back, Senegal will once again bank on the leadership of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy expected to retain the number one shirt between the posts.
Senegal have been drawn into a difficult group alongside France, Norway and Iraq. Their campaign will begin with a heavyweight clash against France in New Jersey on June 16 before subsequent fixtures against Norway and Iraq.
Image caption,Sadio Mane missed the 2022 World Cup with a knee injury
Meanwhile, Thiaw also addressed the controversial omission of defender Malang Sarr, who enjoyed an impressive campaign in the French top flight and was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season.
“We’ve been hearing about Malang Sarr for quite some time. He’s an excellent player, and I’ve spoken with him. He’s a disciplined guy,” Thiaw said.
“I congratulated him on making the Ligue 1 XI. Now, there are choices to be made, and I stand by them. This is a balanced and well-considered group.”
The Senegal tactician further revealed that he personally contacted the defender on multiple occasions.
“I spoke with Malang Sarr twice on the phone. The first time was to chat with him, the second was to congratulate him. I’m keeping an eye on him. I’ve named him among my reserves,” he added.
With a squad packed with European-based stars and experienced campaigners, Senegal will once again carry Africa’s hopes into the FIFA World Cup as they target a deep run in North America.
Senegal World Cup Group Stage Fixtures
- France vs Senegal 16/06/2026 at New Jersey Stadium
- Norway vs Senegal 23/06/2026 at New Jersey Stadium
- Senegal vs Iraq 26/06/2026 at Toronto Stadium
Senegal Preliminary 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Edouard Mendy — Al-Ahli
- Mor Diaw — Le Havre
- Yehvann Diouf — Nice
Defenders
- Kalidou Koulibaly — Al-Hilal
- El Hadji Malick Diouf — West Ham United
- Moussa Niakhate — Lyon
- Mamadou Sarr — Chelsea
- Abdoulaye Seck — Maccabi Haifa
- Ismail Jakobs — Galatasaray
- Antoine Mendy — Nice
- Krepin Diatta — Monaco
- Moustapha Mbow — Paris FC
- Ilay Camara — Anderlecht
Midfielders
- Idrissa Gueye — Everton
- Pape Gueye — Villarreal
- Lamine Camara — Monaco
- Habib Diarra — Sunderland
- Pathe Ciss — Rayo Vallecano
- Pape Matar Sarr — Tottenham Hotspur
- Bara Ndiaye — Bayern Munich
Forwards
- Sadio Mane — Al-Nassr
- Ismaila Sarr — Crystal Palace
- Iliman Ndiaye — Everton
- Assane Diao — Como
- Ibrahim Mbaye — Paris Saint-Germain
- Nicolas Jackson — Chelsea
- Bamba Dieng — Lorient
- Cherif Ndiaye — Samsunspor