Team: Senegal

Senegal arrive at 2026 as African champions and one of the most dangerous teams from outside Europe and South America. The Lions of Teranga won AFCON in 2021 and have built a squad around world class players at elite European clubs. Sadio Mane brings the experience of a Champions League winner, while Pape Matar Sarr, Ismaila Sarr, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy give Senegal quality throughout. Coach Aliou Cisse has managed the team through a golden generation of Senegalese football that has elevated the country onto the global stage. Senegal are a team capable of reaching the latter stages of any tournament they enter.

The Lions of Teranga sealed qualification with a 4-0 win over Mauritania in their final CAF Group B fixture on 14 October, finishing ahead of Congo DR to reach their fourth World Cup.