Senegal have confirmed their final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after head coach Pape Thiaw trimmed his provisional 28-man group to the tournament limit of 26 players.
The announcement follows the team’s preparation camp in the United States, where Thiaw used a series of training sessions and a friendly match against the United States to evaluate his options before submitting his final list to FIFA.
As part of the final selection process, Ilay Camara and Moustapha Mbow were left out of the squad. Their omission reduced the group to 26 players, bringing an end to weeks of assessment and competition for places ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
Thiaw has chosen to build his squad around a core of experienced internationals, with forward Sadio Mané, defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye all included in the final roster.
The quartet are expected to provide leadership and experience as Senegal prepare to face France, Norway and Iraq during the group stage of the World Cup.
Alongside the established names, the coach has also rewarded emerging talent. Young midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye has secured a place in the final squad after impressing during the preparation period.
His inclusion reflects Senegal’s willingness to combine experienced players with promising younger talent as they seek to make a strong impression at the tournament.
In attack, Senegal will rely on a variety of options led by Mané and supported by Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye and Bamba Dieng.
The selection gives Thiaw a range of attacking profiles as he prepares his side for the challenges that lie ahead against three contrasting opponents in the group phase.
The goalkeeping department is headed by Édouard Mendy, with Mory Diaw and Yehvann Diouf also selected. In defence, Koulibaly is joined by Ismail Jakobs, El Hadj Malick Diouf, Krépin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niakhaté and Mamadou Sarr.
Senegal’s midfield options include Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pathé Ciss, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
The final attacking group consists of Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye, Assane Diao, Iliman Ndiaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Bamba Dieng and Nicolas Jackson.
The squad announcement marks the conclusion of Senegal’s selection process and signals the beginning of the final phase of preparations before the tournament gets under way.
With a blend of experienced leaders and emerging prospects, Thiaw will now turn his attention to preparing his team for the challenge of competing against France, Norway and Iraq as Senegal seek to make their mark on the 2026 World Cup.
The final squad reflects the coach’s assessment of his players during the United States training camp and underlines the confidence placed in a group that combines proven international performers with several rising stars eager to seize their opportunity on the world stage.
