Star forward Sadio Mane is poised to make his impactful return to the Senegal national team, aiming to lead the Lions of Teranga in their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His inclusion marks a significant moment for the squad, especially after he was unfortunately sidelined from the 2022 tournament in Qatar due to a severe injury.
Mane has been named on the provisional 28-man shortlist as Senegal commences preparations for the upcoming World Cup, which will be jointly hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team finds itself placed in Group I for the qualification stages, where they are set to compete against Iraq, France, and Norway.
The 34-year-old striker’s absence from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a major blow for Senegal. He sustained a serious injury while playing for Liverpool just weeks before the tournament, which ultimately prevented him from joining his national teammates on the global stage.
Under the leadership of Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw, a former national team member himself who participated in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, the squad boasts a strategic blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talent. Thiaw’s selections prioritize players with extensive international competition experience, with a notable emphasis on those currently playing in top European leagues.
The provisional squad features a strong core of veteran players, including the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. These athletes bring invaluable experience from their time in major European leagues and, for some, in Saudi Arabia, and are expected to be instrumental in guiding the team’s campaign.
Further reinforcing the team’s European contingent are several players from the English Premier League, such as Habib Diarra, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismaila Sarr, Mamadou Sar, Pape Matar Sar, and Iliman Ndiaye. Additionally, young talents like Ibrahim Mbaye, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Bara Ndiaye, representing Bayern Munich, are also set to travel to North America for the competition, adding depth and youthful energy to the squad.
Below is the complete list of the 28 provisional players selected to represent Senegal in their journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
**Goalkeepers:** Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf, Edouard Mendy
**Defenders:** Ilay Camara, Krepin Diatta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismail Jakobs, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moustapha Mbow, Antoine Mendy, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck
**Midfielders:** Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
**Forwards:** Assane Diao, Bamba Dieng, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr.
