Senegal unveils 26‑man squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup under coach Pape Bouna Thiaw

Sports

DAKAR, Senegal (NPA) — Senegal have announced their official squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw naming a balanced 26‑man list combining experience, youth, and attacking flair.

The list, released by the Senegalese Football Federation, features star names such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy, alongside emerging talents like Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, and Assane Diao.

Édouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, and Yehvann Diouf will handle goalkeeping duties, while the defence is anchored by Krépin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhaté, Moustapha Mbow, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismaïl Jakobs, and Ilay Camara.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Pathé Ciss, Pape Matar Sarr, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye provide depth and creativity.

The attack line boasts Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, and Chérif Ndiaye — a mix of pace, power, and precision.

Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw emphasized balance and versatility in his selection, blending seasoned internationals with promising newcomers. The squad reflects Senegal’s tactical evolution since their 2022 campaign, with a focus on dynamic midfield play and pace‑driven attack.

The inclusion of young prospects such as Bara Sapoko Ndiaye and Ilay Camara signals Thiaw’s intent to refresh the team while maintaining the core that delivered continental success.

Senegal, drawn in a competitive group for the tournament, will rely on its defensive solidity led by Koulibaly and Mendy, and the attacking brilliance of Mané and Jackson to push for another deep World Cup run.

The announcement has sparked excitement across Senegal, with fans eager to see the Lions of Teranga roar again on football’s biggest stage.