Lead

Senegal's Sadio Mané will play for his country at a second World Cup at the age of 34, and he has said he will retire from international football after the tournament. As the Lions of Teranga prepare for their third consecutive World Cup, coach Pape Thiaw has made clear he believes the team can go all the way. "If, even for a second, I doubted that I could win the World Cup with Senegal, then I would step aside," he said after a match in March, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage from Al Jazeera and RFI — English has focused on Senegal's strength ahead of the tournament, with particular attention on Mané's experience and leadership. Al Jazeera describes the squad as "star-studded" and "the most potent of the 10 African qualifiers," citing a blend of experience and youthful athleticism. RFI — English highlights Mané's status as a "legend" and "icon," emphasizing his goal-scoring record and the significance of his final World Cup.

Both outlets note that Senegal have been one of Africa's most consistent national teams over the last decade. Al Jazeera points to a statistic: over the last decade, Senegal have either won every Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) they participated in or lost to the eventual champions. RFI — English reports on Senegal's recent AFCON final against Morocco, which was marked by controversy when the team temporarily left the pitch in protest at a penalty decision.

Key Claims

A Golden Generation's Last Chance

Coach Pape Thiaw's ambition is echoed by players and observers. Babacar Diarra, a French-Senegalese freelance journalist, told Al Jazeera: "Those were not just empty words. The players and the coach believe they can win the World Cup. Although the first match [against France] will tell us a lot about how good this team truly is."

RFI — English reports that Mané goes into the tournament as one of the team's leaders, along with defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye. Al Jazeera notes this is "the opportune moment" for this "golden generation" of players.

Sadio Mané's World Cup Record

RFI — English reports that only one of Mané's 53 goals for Senegal has come at a World Cup. He scored in a group stage game against Japan during the 2018 tournament in Russia. Senegal were eliminated from that tournament by FIFA's fair play rule, having picked up more yellow cards than Japan after finishing with the same record, as reported by both Al Jazeera and RFI — English.

At the 2022 World Cup, Mané was forced to sit out due to a knee injury. Al Jazeera reports that Senegal reached the last 16, where they were outclassed 3-0 by England. Mané, who moved to Al-Nassr in 2023, is now set for his final World Cup appearance.

Squad and Group

Al Jazeera reports that Senegal's 28-man squad includes Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr as key forward options. Bayern Munich's 18-year-old midfielder Bara Ndiaye has been called up, but there is no place for Malang Sarr. The squad will be trimmed by two players before the final deadline.

Senegal have been drawn in Group I and will open their campaign against France on June 16 in New Jersey, a repeat of their famous 2002 World Cup meeting. They also face Norway on June 22 and Iraq in Toronto on June 26, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Diaspora Recruitment and Academies

Al Jazeera also reports that Senegal's success comes from "smart diaspora recruitment and local academies," though the same report notes "economic imbalances in Senegalese academies and exploitation concerns have stirred resentment." The federation's recruitment approach has been credited for the team's depth.

Perspectives

Coach Pape Thiaw

Coach Pape Thiaw has stated his belief that Senegal can win the World Cup, saying he would step aside if he doubted it. He has been reported as prompting his players during the AFCON final controversy.

Sadio Mané and Players

Veteran forward Sadio Mané is set to play his last World Cup and has said he will retire from international football after the tournament. Players like Lamine Gassama have reflected on the cruel elimination in 2018, saying "These are things we unfortunately couldn't control."

Journalist Babacar Diarra

French-Senegalese freelance journalist Babacar Diarra told Al Jazeera that the players and coach genuinely believe they can win the World Cup, and that the opening match against France will be a test of the team's quality.

Senegal's AFCON Final Controversy

RFI — English and Al Jazeera both report on the AFCON final against Morocco in January, when several Senegal players, prompted by Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded after VAR review. The match was later awarded to Morocco, and the matter is before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, according to Al Jazeera.