Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has declared that the Lions of Teranga will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the belief and ambition of becoming the first African nation to lift football’s most prestigious trophy.
The West African side begins its Group I campaign with a blockbuster encounter against France on Tuesday, June 16, in a match expected to be among the highlights of the opening round.
Speaking to France Football ahead of the tournament, Ndiaye insisted that Senegal are not travelling to the World Cup merely to participate, but to compete for the highest honour in international football.
“Senegal is eagerly awaiting the World Cup because we have a clear objective: to become world champions,” Ndiaye said.
The attacker believes African football has reached a new level and is increasingly capable of competing with the traditional powers of the global game.
He pointed to Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, as evidence that the gap between African teams and the world’s elite continues to close.
“African football is reaching a new level. Morocco broke through a glass ceiling in 2022 with their run to the semi-finals. We have faced major nations and shown that we can look them in the eye,” he added.
Senegal head into the tournament as one of Africa’s strongest representatives, backed by a talented squad blending experienced internationals with emerging stars.
Under the guidance of head coach Pape Thiaw, the Lions of Teranga will hope to make a strong start against France and build momentum towards a deep run in the competition.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions have consistently established themselves among the continent’s elite in recent years, and Ndiaye’s bold statement reflects the confidence growing within the Senegal camp.
As they prepare for the challenge ahead, Senegal’s mission is clear — follow Morocco’s historic breakthrough and potentially go even further by bringing the FIFA World Cup trophy to Africa for the very first time.
