Senegal represent one of Africa’s best hopes of success at this summer’s World Cup, as shown when they won January’s controversial Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco on the pitch, before their victory was overturned.

Which Chelsea players do Senegal have?

The Blues have two representatives in the Senegal squad, in Sarr and Jackson. The defender had only one cap to his name going into last season’s Africa Cup of Nations, but grew in stature over the tournament to play every minute of the final, and has started all three of his country’s matches since.

In contrast, Jackson – who spent 2025/26 on loan at Bayern Munich – has 32 caps and eight goals for his country to his name. He was a regular starter in their squad throughout their qualifying campaign and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Who else is in Senegal’s squad?

In addition to Sarr and Jackson, former Blues Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly are also included in the squad. They join fellow tournament veterans like Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mane in an experienced group selected by coach Pape Thiaw, who himself played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup.

Sarr is part of a sprinkling of youth added to this year’s squad, along with teenagers Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye of Bayern Munich.

Goalkeepers: Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice), Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli)

Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa)

Midfielders: Lamine Camara (Monaco), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Assane Diao (Como), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace)

What teams are in Senegal’s group?

Senegal begin with a mouthwatering tie against France. It will bring back memories of Senegal’s famous victory over the then defending champions in their opening game of the 2002 World Cup, and has the added spice of several members of Senegal’s squad either hailing from France or playing their football there.

A second European opponent awaits in Norway, when qualifying’s top scorer Erling Haaland will provide a stern defensive test. The unknown factor in Group I will be Iraq, looking to cause an upset on their return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.

When are Senegal’s fixtures?

France vs Senegal, New Jersey, Tuesday 16 June, 8pm

Norway vs Senegal, New Jersey, Tuesday 23 June, 1am

Senegal vs Iraq, Toronto, Friday 26 June, 8pm

All times are UK

How did Senegal qualify?

It was an unbeaten qualifying campaign for Senegal, with their place in the tournament secured with a 4-0 victory over Mauritania in their final game. However, the crucial match was a 3-2 win away at fellow qualifiers DR Congo, sealing top spot in the group by two points.

What is Senegal’s World Cup history?

Having qualified for a third successive World Cup, Senegal will be hoping to surpass the famous Lions of Teranga side that reached the quarter-finals on the nation’s tournament debut in 2002, having beaten world and European champions France 1-0 in their first game.

That last-eight appearance remains their best showing at a World Cup, after exiting in the group stage on their return to the tournament in 2018, and suffering a 3-0 defeat to England in the last 16 four years ago.