Senegal is expected to create a surprise at the 2026 World Cup. The team recently reached the Africa Cup final, winning against Morocco but later stripped of the title. Their squad features many players competing in top European leagues. Stars like Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) and captain Kalidou Koulibaly (currently with Al Hilal) wield significant influence, despite playing in Saudi Arabia.

Senegal celebrating their Africa Cup victory at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco on 18/1/2026, but later stripped of the title. *Photo: Reuters*

A notable aspect, however, is the pervasive French influence within Senegal's squad at nearly every level. This connection stems not only from historical ties, with Senegal being a French colony until 1960, but also from many Senegalese players being born, raised, or receiving their football training in France.

Several key players were born in France, including: Edouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mamadou Sarr, Antoine Mendy, Iliman Ndiaye, and PSG's gem Ibrahim Mbaye. Furthermore, many developed through France's youth football system at Clairefontaine before choosing to represent Senegal.

Kalidou Koulibaly, the former Napoli and Chelsea center-back, played 11 matches for French youth teams. He was a key player for France U20 at the 2011 U20 World Cup, where he, alongside players like Antoine Griezmann, reached the semi-finals.

Mamadou Sarr, a Chelsea player, progressed through all levels from U17 to U20 and captained France U17 to victory at the 2022 U17 European Championship.

Habib Diarra, currently with Sunderland, played for France from U16 to U21 before choosing Senegal at the senior international level. Yehvann Diouf also went through U18 to U21 teams, serving as France's primary goalkeeper at the 2018 U19 European Championship finals.

Pape Gueye played for France U18 and U19 before switching to Senegal, while Ibrahim Mbaye remained with French youth teams until 2025, then opted to play for the Senegal national team.

Senegal national team players posing for a photo ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The unspoken rivalry between France and Senegal

The French Football Federation (FFF) has tried to retain talented players of Senegalese origin, but not always successfully. Mamadou Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye are examples of players who decided to represent Senegal.

FFF President Philippe Diallo and other officials directly contacted Mbaye to persuade him to play for France, but the young player stated his choice came "from the heart".

As many as 9 Senegalese national team players currently compete in Ligue 1, including: Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice), Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg, on loan from Chelsea), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), and Bamba Dieng (Lorient).

This strong presence highlights the deep connection between Senegalese football and France's training and playing systems, which continues to shape the new generation of "Teranga Lions" players.

Senegal has participated in the World Cup finals only four times: in 2002, 2018, 2022, and this year. Their best performance was reaching the quarter-finals in 2002. At the 2018 World Cup, Senegal became the first team in history to be eliminated by the fair-play rule (receiving more yellow cards) after being level with Japan on all six tie-breaking criteria.

At the 2026 World Cup, Senegal is in Group I, where they will face France on 16/6, Norway on 22/6, and Iraq on 26/6.

Hong Duy (according to Marca)