Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly says the national team must believe in its own potential if it is to achieve a historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defender outlined Senegal’s ambitions for the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Speaking to French broadcaster RMC Sport, Koulibaly said Senegal had the talent and mentality to compete with the world’s strongest nations, while warning that the competition would be one of the toughest challenges in international football.
“We know we are capable of achieving great things, and I hope we do, (but) we will keep our feet on the ground. It’s the World Cup, and we know the tournament will be very difficult,” Koulibaly said.
The former Chelsea FC and current Al Hilal SFC defender stressed that humility and discipline would be essential if Senegal were to progress deep into the competition.
“But we also know that we are talented, and we have the quality, humility, and professionalism to go as far as possible, (although) we know that there are other teams, other world-class players, and that the tournament will be very difficult,” he added.
Senegal Eye Quarter-Finals And Beyond
Koulibaly made clear that Senegal’s initial objective is to reach at least the quarter-finals, though he admitted the squad is also dreaming of an even greater achievement.
“My goal is for us to go as far as possible, and why not reach the final? It requires playing matches, being humble, enduring hardships, and dealing with things with extreme discipline,” he said.
The Senegal captain also emphasised the importance of self-belief within the squad, insisting confidence would be a decisive factor during the tournament.
“No one will believe in us if we don’t believe in ourselves. We know that we are capable of delivering a great World Cup. Our expectations are very high, and we hope to reach at least the quarter-finals; that is our first goal.”
Senegal will compete in a newly expanded World Cup featuring 48 teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The African side were drawn in Group I alongside France national football team, Norway national football team and Iraq national football team.
Tough Group Awaits Lions Of Teranga
The “Lions of Teranga” face a demanding start to their campaign, beginning with a match against France on 16 June.
They will then meet Norway on 23 June before completing the group stage against Iraq on 26 June.
Under the revised World Cup format, the winners and runners-up from each of the 12 groups will qualify automatically for the knockout rounds. They will be joined by the eight best third-placed teams, with the knockout stage beginning from the round of 32.
Senegal’s schedule means Koulibaly and his teammates will immediately be tested against some of the tournament’s strongest opposition as they seek to progress beyond the group stage.
Despite the challenge ahead, Koulibaly’s comments reflect growing confidence within the Senegal camp that the team can build on its recent rise in international football and compete strongly on the biggest stage in world football.
Senegal’s 2026 World Cup Group Fixtures
- Senegal vs France – 16 June, 10 PM
- Senegal vs Norway – 23 June, 3 AM
- Senegal vs Iraq – 26 June, 10 PM
